Fantastic Rory McIlroy joins Alexander Noren to lead the Maybank Malaysian Open – Asian Tour
The Maybank Malaysian Open comes to the half-way stage. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland was once again among the top contenders. He played exceedingly well on the second day and joined the overnight leader Alexander Noren.
McIlroy started his day and placed low on the leader board. Although, he was five shots behind the leader, the youngster managed his own way to join the leader. The course was lit up with crowds cheering as he posted a fantastic round of eight-under par,
64. This was another brilliant performance by the youngster.
The 21-year-old Irishman had a slow start to the day. It was his first birdie from where he turned things in his favour. He took full advantage of the course conditions which were suitable for all the players throughout the day. His card showed no bogey
and had eight birdies during the day.
With a comeback performance after his terrible final round at Masters, this score really gave him confidence and self-belief. Rory was looking in superb touch with his iron shots and his putter supported him. As he was playing, it looked like he was out
there to break the course record.
Now, it looks like he will go on to win the championship with such a high confidence level. He played some great golf shots during his round and never looked under any kind of pressure. Now it is up to him as he has a great opportunity for winning the championship.
Swede Noren, who was the overnight leader, looked composed with his game. He carded a steady round of three-under par, 69 which helped him maintain his lead. Now he shares the lead with Rory at the leader board. Noren has four birdies and just a single bogey.
It was the par-3, 15th where he completely missed the green and had to settle for a bogey.
Both these players lead the tournament by a margin of just one shot. They had a total two round aggregate score of eleven-under par, 133.
Rory was the first player to post the lowest round of the day. He was joined by Simon Dyson of England. Dyson also carded a round of eight-under par, 64. This helped him jump 21 places on the leader board. His score-card was without a bogey and also made
eight birdies. The Englishman amazed the spectators with the way he putted on the greens. This was the outcome of his brilliant approach shots as some of them landed within a couple of feet from the hole.
Dyson is just one shot behind the leaders. He will surely look to capitalise with this round in the next two days.
Smiling McIlroy said, “Today I went out and played well. I have done for a couple of days but the difference was I holed a couple of putts. It feels good. I’ve got my swing in a nice groove. I’ve been driving the ball pretty good which you need to around
here. It’s been really good. I’ve not missed many shots. 11 under after two days here is a great effort considering I’ve travelled so far and not seeing the course.”
Stephen Gallacher of Scotland is tied with Brett Rumford for the fourth spot. Both these players had a two day score of seven-under par, 137 and are four behind the leaders.
World number one Martin Kaymer shares the 25th spot on the score-board. The defending champion Noh Seung-yul failed to give a repeat performance as he is placed low on the leader board.
The projected cut-line score was at even-par after two rounds. The play was suspended due to lightening as few players were still waiting in the clubhouse to complete their rounds.
Tags: