Rory McIlroy makes the cut as Ludvig Aberg sets pace at Players Championship

The defending champion birdied his last hole to card a 71.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland stands on the 10th tee during the second round of The Players Championship. Pic: Gerald Herbert/AP

Rory McIlroy made the cut with a shot to spare at the Players Championship, but heads into the weekend trailing leader Ludvig Aberg by 13 shots.

Defending champion McIlroy, who has been struggling with a back injury, birdied his last hole to card a 71 as he reached the halfway stage on one-over par at TPC Sawgrass.