Rory McIlroy hits the front as threat of thunder stops Irish Open

Tournament host Rory McIlroy edged closer to winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the first time as Danny Willett surprisingly stumbled at The K Club just before the threat of lightning suspended play.

McIlroy had missed the cut in his home event for the last three years, but the world number three added a second round of 70 to his opening 67 to head into the third round just a shot off the lead shared by Masters champion Willett and Marc Warren.