GOLF: Late slip costs McIlroy
A LATE double-bogey cost Rory McIlroy a share of the lead on day two of the Dubai Desert Classic.
The defending champion had earlier looked in ominous form, the world number nine briefly establishing a three-shot lead following a run of four consecutive birdies around the turn.
But the 20-year-old, who claimed his first and only career title to date with a wire-to-wire victory 12 months ago, found water at the last to card a double-bogey and round of 70.
"I am still happy where I am heading into the weekend. Apart from the mistake at the last it was another really good day's work. I putted really solidly, made a few birdies around the turn and also could have made a few more," said McIlroy.
"There is a little bit of a sour taste in the mouth after the last hole. I had not made a mistake all day and to do it at the last was disappointing, but if I make two birdies in the first two holes tomorrow all is forgotten."
It was a positive day all round for the Ulster contingent in the field with Darren Clarke, Gareth Maybin and Graeme McDowell all finishing the day inside the top 15.
Maybin and McDowell both carded four under par rounds of 68, good enough to help McDowell into a share of 10th on four under par.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
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