Fine finish hands Hojgaard lead, McIlroy 'stuck in neutral'

Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark plays his second shot on the second hole during the round two of the DP World Tour Championship golf tournament, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

Ryder Cup winner Nicolai Hojgaard produced a brilliant finish to claim a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

But Rory McIlroy could only add a 72 to his opening 71 to lie 10 shots off the pace.