Setback for McIlroy in Madrid

Rory McIlroy's bid for a first European Tour title suffered an early blow in the second round of the Madrid Open today.

Despite playing in only his third event as a professional, McIlroy had set his sights on a maiden victory following his superb third place in the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews on Sunday.

The Irish 18-year-old could manage only a first-round 73 in blustery conditions at Club de Campo on the outskirts of Madrid yesterday, eight shots adrift of pacesetter Daniel Vancsik of Argentina.

But the former European amateur champion had not given up hope of forcing himself into contention if he could take advantage of more favourable conditions for the early starters.

"It was pretty tricky in the wind, and the greens cut up a little bit as well. They will be a lot better on Friday morning - so if I can shoot something in the 60s I will be right there," he predicted.

However, it was a poor drive rather than poor greens which cost McIlroy a bogey on the 10th - his opening hole - and at two over par, he had to be more concerned with making the halfway cut than catching the leaders.

Vancsik, who won the Madeira Island Open in March but missed the cut in 12 of the next 14 events, was among the afternoon starters - but Germany's Martin Kaymer had already picked up a birdie on the 10th to move to within a shot of the lead on six under par.