RORY MCILROY’s hopes of a strong placing at the Deutsche Bank Championship seem to have disappeared – the Northern Irishman was one off the lead after his first round, but fired a five-over 76 yesterday to slip back.

The 21-year-old’s round, which was a full twelve shots worse than his round just a day earlier, left him a full ten shots in a tie for 56th, well behind halfway leaders Bradnt Snedeker of Australia and his part-Filipino compatriot, Jason Day.

McIlroy shot five bogeys and one double-bogey, unable even to muster a single birdie in the round which showed yet another example of his brilliant, but as yet inconsistent, ability.

Padraig Harrington shot a three-under 68 to get back to level par, but just missed the cut.

In Europe, meanwhile, Miguel Angel Jimenez is three clear going into the final round of the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, three shots clear of in-form Edouardo Molinari amd another one clear of Italy’s Matteo Manassero and England’s Steve Webster.

Peter Lawrie is the best of the Irish on nine under – tied for ninth, albeit eight off the lead – while Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke is another shot back.

Northern pair Gareth Maybin and Michael Hoey are on -6 and +1 respectively.