Richard Bland's strong start to his European Tour season soured slightly as he dropped down the leader board in the Abu Dhabi Championship.

The Stoneham player, coming off the best season of his career, shot three-under-par on day one, but has now slipped down to 63rd place after hitting a one-over-par on day two and a par on day three.

Fellow Hampshire star Justin Rose, after a difficult start, has started to climb the ranking thanks to two three-under-par rounds on day two and three. He now sits in 45th.

Meanwhile Sam Hutsby missed out after a three-over-par round on day two.