Rory McIlroy left chasing Day

Rory McIlroy wielded a hot putter and a straighter driver but he admits he has his work cut out to catch an impressive Jason Day in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

Less than 24 hours after being struck by a case of the “lefts” off the tee and opening with a three over 75, the world No 2 had one of his best ever days with the putter and made six birdies in a five under 67 to make the cut with ease on two under par.

The bad news for the Co Down man is world No 3 Day added an immaculate, seven under 65 to his opening 66 to lead by two stokes from on 13 under par from Henrik Stenson (66) and by three from Justin Rose (66) as Graeme McDowell made four bogeys in his last eight holes for a 76 to miss the cut on three over par.