Rory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim Italian Open lead

NO RUSH: Rory McIlroy sits on the 8th tee on Day Two of the DS Automobiles Italian Open. Pic: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Rory McIlroy produced a sprint finish in more ways than one to snatch the halfway lead from Ryder Cup team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick in the DS Automobiles Italian Open.

McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes, but covered the back nine in two hours and 15 minutes to finish in near-darkness at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.