McIlroy nicely poised

Rory McIlroy had mentor Darren Clarke firmly in his sights after grinding out a second round of 69 in the 140th Open Championship at Royal St George’s.

That was surprisingly enough to leave the US Open champion just four shots off the lead shared by Clarke and American Lucas Glover, with US PGA champion Martin Kaymer and overnight joint leader Thomas Bjorn among a four-strong group a shot behind.