WORCESTER’S Ollie Farr made a halfway cut for the first time in his debut European Tour campaign.

The 26-year-old, representing Wales, shot an impressive second round of 69 to join a string of players on a two-under-par 142 after firing 73 in the first at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Farr, the son of Worcester Golf and Country Club professional Graham Farr, had missed the cut at the South African Open Championship in Johannesburg this month prior to heading to the United Arab Emirates.

He had secured his European Tour card with third place in the Challenge Tour grand final in Dubai last November.

The result moved Farr up three places in the Challenge Tour rankings to finish the season in 10th place and book the step-up.

In Abu Dhabi going into the weekend, Germany’s Martin Kaymer led on a 13-under-par 131 with rounds of 64 and 67 followed by Belgium’s Thomas Pieters (65+67=132) and Rory McIlroy (67+66=133).

James Morrison was the highest-placed Englishman on 135 after shooting 68 and 67.

Farr’s 142 — the same as the likes of Justin Rose and Ernie Els — ensured he made the cut with players scoring 143 missing out.