McIlroy has point to prove at Crans

Rory McIlroy still has every reason to think this could be a special two weeks for himself and girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki.

While world tennis number one Wozniacki has dropped only six games reaching the third round of the US Open tennis, McIlroy was joint leader heading into today’s third round of the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.

After staying up late to watch coverage of the 21-year-old Dane’s last win, the 22-year-old shot 69 to join English pair Simon Dyson and Gary Boyd and Welshman Jamie Donaldson on eight under par at halfway.

McIlroy has an extra reason for wanting to triumph at Crans-sur-Sierre – just as he will at Augusta next April.

This year’s US Masters is remembered, of course, for his closing 80 after he had gone into the final day four clear of the field.

Three years ago in the Swiss Alps he was also four ahead after 54 holes and lost in a play-off after missing from five feet on the final green and then from barely 18 inches at the second extra hole.

The bumpy greens were still causing him problems yesterday.

“I gave myself a lot of chances and wasn’t able to convert them, which was pretty frustrating,” said the Northern Irishman.

Dyson is looking to follow up his Irish Open success a month ago, while Boyd and Donaldson are chasing their first European Tour titles.

Boyd is in just his second full season on the circuit, but 35-year-old Donaldson has played approaching 250 events going back a decade.

Nick Dougherty, disappointed to follow up his opening 63 with only a 72, has nevertheless made his first cut in 22 starts going back to last November – and still has a great chance for a sensational comeback.

He set off again only one behind and part of a four-way tie for fifth with fellow Englishman Danny Willett, former world number one Martin Kaymer and South African Jaco Van Zyl.

Dougherty admitted: “I had two things in my head – the tournament and getting the monkey of not making a cut off my back.

“I didn’t play as well and I had a few iffy breaks, but I suppose you get what you deserve.

“Hopefully I can play with a bit more flair and flamboyance tomorrow. It was a little cagey.”

Lee Westwood resumed only two back and Open champion Darren Clarke just four off the pace.

With 38 players separated by only four strokes the event is wide open.