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.