Molinari shines as McIlroy struggles in Portugal

Francesco Molinari continued on his merry way at the Portugal Masters in sunny Vilamoura today – and Order of Merit leader Rory McIlroy was among those having to fight hard to stay in touch.

The 26-year-old Italian had equalled the lowest round of his European Tour career with an opening nine-under-par 63 – and when he resumed on the back nine this morning further birdies came at the 12th, 13th and 15th.

Molinari’s lead remained only two, however. Spaniard Pablo Martin turned in 32; England’s Simon Khan had four birdies in his first six holes, and defending champion Alvaro Quiros played his first 11 holes in a superb six under to join them.

McIlroy could do no better than one birdie in his first 10 holes – and at four under the 20-year-old rising star was outside the top 30 and only two shots inside the expected halfway cut mark.

It was in the Portuguese Open two years ago that Martin became the first amateur ever to win on the circuit. But he has struggled since and at 119th on this season’s money list is battling to keep his card. Only the top 115 retain their membership next month.

As for Justin Rose, joint second when he teed off again, he was on something of a rollercoaster ride.

After turning in 35, he then double-bogeyed the 446-yard first but hit back with an eagle at the 566-yard third.

It left him joint third with South African Retief Goosen and Argentina’s Tano Goya.

Lee Westwood, who has a chance to take over top spot on the Order of Merit from stablemate McIlroy, was six under overnight and among the later starters.