McIlroy storms into contention
Rory McIlroy found his form to power up the UBS Hong Kong Open leaderboard in the closing stages of the second round today.
The Northern Ireland man is 11 under through 13 holes, one stroke off clubhouse leader Anthony Kang, who earlier shot a course-record equalling nine under 61.
The 21-year-old, who has narrowly missed out on victory at the Fanling course in the last two years, mixed his round with three birdies, a bogey and an eagle on the par-four ninth to go four under with four holes remaining.
Ian Poulter was also making strides up the leaderboard.
He turned on the style today with nine birdies through 14 holes – including five in succession from the seventh – to move onto 12 under for the tournament.
Last week Poulter also produced a sparkling second round display to put himself in contention at the Singapore Open but saw his challenge fade away when the final round extended into Monday due to thunderstorms.
Consequently he was determined to make amends in Hong Kong and looks on course to head into the weekend in at least a share of the lead.
Earlier, Kang took advantage of near-perfect conditions at Hong Kong Golf Club by reeling off nine birdies in a blemish-free round to take the lead.
“It came out of nowhere,” said Kang, who is chasing his first European Tour victory since the Malaysian Open last year.
“I’ve been struggling all year long but the last six weeks it has been getting better.
“Last week in Singapore I hit the ball well for at least the whole of the third round. So I guess hitting the ball well for a length of time is coming round.”
Graeme McDowell was three shots off the pace at four under for the day with four holes remaining after carding five birdies against just one bogey.
The US Open champion is hoping for a good performance in Hong Kong ahead of next week’s Dubai World Championship, where he bids to be crowned Europe’s number one.
Defending champion Gregory Bourdy is eight under overall after carding a second successive 66 while Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning captain Colin Montgomerie is three under following a 68 today.
