ABU DHABI (AFP) - The world's two top golfers - Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods - were both facing the axe at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on Friday.

The tournament's star draws began the second round at level par for Woods and three over for top-ranked McIlroy and things quickly went from bad to worse, despite perfect playing conditions.

Woods failed to hit any of the first six green in regulation as he opened with four bogeys in five holes to slump to four over for the tournament.

McIlroy, playing his second competitive round with his new Nike clubs, bogeyed four, five and seven to stand at six over.

With the cut projected to fall at two over, both players needed a run of birdies on the back nine to avoid what would be an embarrassing start to the season.

England's Justin Rose was the clubhouse leader at eight under par after firing a 69.