RORY MCILROY WENT one better on day two of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush.
The world number two shot 69 in his round this morning, a score which leaves him on five under par after his Thursday 70.
McIlroy managed to birdie the second, seventh and tenth holes for the second day in succession and managed to correct opening day bogeys on 16 and 18, with the former hole seeing his fifth and final birdie of the day.
However, bogeys on the sixth and 14th blemished the round and sees him off the pace of leader Gregory Bourdy.
After taking an overnight lead, the Frenchman enjoyed a terrific start to round two with an eagle on the par five second.
Bourdy followed that up with birdies on the third, sixth, eight and ninth as he blitzed his way through the front nine.
There is hope, though, for the chasing pack. The 30-year-old has bogeyed twice on the back nine. But, with two to play, he stands alone in the lead at 11 under par.
Irish interest
Alongside McIlroy, six shots off the lead, is Paul McGinley after he added a stroke to his 69 on day one. On his home course, Darren Clarke is a shot further back following his 69 which included a bogey-free back nine. He is joined on four under par by Simon Thornton and Shane Lowry who shot 70 and 68 respectively this morning.
Padraig Harrington will tee off from five under par this afternoon.
