McIlroy in Memorial mix

RORY McILROY mixed the brilliant with the indifferent in the second round of the Memorial tournament at Muirfield Village, Ohio, yesterday but remains firmly in contention for his second victory on the PGA US Tour going into the weekend at the $6. 2 million (€4.2m) event.

McIlroy shot six birdies to bring his total birdies for the two days to 13, the largest of any player in the high-class field, but could do no better than an even-par round of 72 as he also signed for four bogeys and a double bogey. At six under par, he was tied for the early lead with the Australian Rodney Pampling and two Americans, Ricky Barnes and Jonathan Byrd.

The 22-year-old Ulsterman dropped shots at the first, third and sixth but atoned with gains at the second and the par-five fifth and seventh. Long, accurate tee shots set up further birdies at the two remaining long holes, the 11th and 15th and he also dipped below regulation at the 13th. However, a visit to one of the many water hazards on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course cost a double bogey at the 14th.