Rory McIlroy makes second-round charge to raise hopes of Masters glory

Rory McIlroy breathed life into his grand slam bid with a second round of 66 (Matt Slocum/AP)

Less than 24 hours after it appeared to be on life support, Rory McIlroy spectacularly revived his bid to win the Masters and complete the career grand slam.

McIlroy shrugged off the crushing disappointment of two late double bogeys in the space of three holes in his opening 72 to card an eagle and four birdies in a second-round 66 which drew a standing ovation from the patrons around the 18th green at Augusta National.