As widely speculated, Rory McIlroy’s Friday curse continued as he again failed to capitalise on a low opening round on day two of the Scottish Open yesterday.

While a limited playing schedule this season has him well outside of qualifying for the Ryder Cup, Graeme McDowell is quietly confident five events in the next six weeks will lift him into Paul McGinley’s team.

PETER LAWRIE and Gary Murphy carded respective rounds of 66 and 70 with Lawrie ending the day just two strokes off the lead with a six-under par 66 in the opening round of the BMW International Open yesterday.