Bogey-free Rory McIlroy into contention but rues missed chances 

The world number 10  improved his opening-round level-par effort by five shots

Rory McIlroy during day two of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet Estate golf course, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Rory McIlroy believes he will need to at least match his second-round 67 at Mount Juliet on Saturday to get himself into contention at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

The world number 10, playing his national open for the first time since 2018, improved his opening-round level-par effort by five shots on Friday as cooler temperatures returned to Co. Kilkenny and was five strokes off the early halfway clubhouse lead of 10 under par posted by England’s Dale Whitnell following a second consecutive 67.