McIlroy turns on the style

Five-time Major winner Phil Mickelson enjoyed a front row seat as a rejuvenated Rory McIlroy muscled his way into contention for a second success in three events at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

McIlroy birdied his closing two holes in what Mickelson described was an ‘impressive’ back nine display for an eventual round of 67 and move to a share of fourth place at seven under par.

Scotland’s Craig Lee (67) and Spain Rafa Cabrera-Bello (68) head the $2.7m (€2m) event on nine under par and with England’s Danny Willett (63) third on eight under par.