Rory McIlroy pushed himself into the mix for the top 10 at the halfway point of the DP World Tour Championship after ending his second round in style.
After a slow start to the tournament on Thursday, the four-time major winner enjoyed a more fruitful second day, carding a four-under 68 at the Jumeirah Golf Estates to move up to five under overall and a tie for 11th.
The highlight of the 33-year-old's round came right at the end with an eagle on the par-5 18th which had come off the back of two successive birdies.
.@McIlroyRory closing out his second round in style 🚀#DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/eMhoSuQgwG
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 18, 2022
McIlroy and Ryan Fox can claim the the Harry Vardon trophy awarded to whoever tops the DP World Tour rankings at the conclusion of the event with outright victory.
Fox carded a 72 on Friday which leaves the Australian on one over.
Shane Lowry was also among the early starters on Friday and he also improved on his opening 73, with a two-under 70 that has lifted him onto one under overall and within sight of the top 20.
In a mixed round, the Offaly native double bogeyed the 10th and also dropped a shot on the fourth.
But birdies on one, seven, nine, 12 and 18 gave a more positive hue to his efforts.
English duo Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick share the halfway lead on 12 under, three shots clear of Adria Arnaus and Alexander Noren.
Former world number one Jon Rahm is also in contention in a tie for fifth on eight under after a 66.
