Rory McIlroy ‘optimistic’ despite long climb ahead to catch Phil Mickelson

Rory McIlroy may have a long climb ahead of him this weekend if he is to get his hands back on the Claret Jug he first won two years ago, but despite a difficult second round at Royal Troon the four-time major champion insisted he was happy with his lot, writes Simon Lewis.

What is more, the Irishman insisted winning the 145th Open Championship tomorrow evening was for him very much a mission possible. McIlroy, 27, began yesterday’s play eight shots off the lead and will start the weekend in precisely the same scenario. Halfway leader Phil Mickelson, with a second-round 69, holds a one-shot lead at 10 under par over Sweden’s Henrik Stenson with Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen, the master of Royal County Down at last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, sharing third place with American Keegan Bradley on seven under par.