DANIEL Brooks has given himself a great chance of earning some big early season points after making the cut at the lucrative Abu Dhabi Championships.

The 29-year-old from Basildon put himself in a great position after an opening round of 69 (three under par) propelled him up the leaderboard.

Brooks found the second day more tough going as he carded a 74 (two over par) round to give him a total score of 143 (one under par).

At one point, the former Woodlands School pupil looked to be falling the wrong side of the cut which was one under par. But a birdie on the final hole put him back to one under and in with a shout of making progress up the leaderboard on day three.

Brooks, who sits 27th in the early season European Tour Race to Dubai rankings, will be looking to bank some useful points as he looks to build on his 103rd place finish in last season's standings.

Englishman Andy Sullivan tops the Abu Dhabi Championships leaderboard after two rounds on 10 under par, two shots clear of Rory McIlroy.