Contrasting fortunes for Irish Open stars

David Howell and Stephen Dodd, involved in a play-off for the Irish Open three months ago, went in completely opposite directions in the second round of the €5.9m NEC world championship in Akron today.

Howell, in only his second tournament since spending two months on the sidelines with a torn abdominal muscle, went to the turn in 32 to be up to joint fourth – alongside Luke Donald and Ireland's Paul McGinley.