Record-breaking Rory McIlroy holds six-shot lead at halfway stage of Masters

The Northern Irishman shot a 65 to go with Thursday’s 67 to post at 12 under, three shots better than any other defending champion had managed after two rounds.

THE MASTER: Rory McIlroy was in imperious form (Matt Slocum/AP)

Rory McIlroy looked in ominous mood after racing clear of the pack with a record-breaking performance around Augusta National as the grip on his Masters defence became a stranglehold.

The Northern Irishman, seeking to become only the fourth man to win back-to-back titles, shot a 65 to go with Thursday’s 67 to post at 12 under, three shots better than any other defending champion had managed after two rounds.