Good Friday puts McIlroy in control

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Rory McIlroy

The Northern Irishman, a winner of two previous majors, acknowledged before the tournament that he has too often been guilty of poor second-round performances, an example coming at last week's Scottish Open when he followed an opening 64 with a round of 78.

McIlroy also suffered a miserable Friday at The Open in 2010, shooting 80 to undermine a first round of 63 at St Andrews, but showed no sign of repeating that lacklustre display as he built on his one-stroke overnight advantage by pulling clear of the field in imperious fashion.

A bogey at the first hole offered little sign of what was to come as McIlroy, taking advantage of favourable weather conditions for the second successive day, proceeded to rattle off seven birdies on his way to a second successive 66.

Dustin Johnson of the United States surged into second place at eight under courtesy of a faultless 65, the best round of the tournament to date.

Yet McIlroy will now be hopeful of reprising the stunning exhibition of front-running he delivered to land his first major at the 2011 US Open.

Half a dozen players reached the halfway stage six behind McIlroy, with 2010 champion Louis Oosthuizen joined by Francesco Molinari, Ryan Moore, Charl Schwartzel, Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia - who holed his approach shot to the second for eagle.

George Coetzee, who celebrated his 28th birthday with a round of 69, veteran American Jim Furyk and Marc Warren were well placed at five under, while Victor Dubuisson matched McIlroy's 66 to sit a shot further back and world number one Adam Scott went round in 73 to sit nine off the pace at three under.

However, 14-time major winner Tiger Woods - returning to the scene of his most recent Open triumph in 2006 - slipped back to two over courtesy of a 77 that started with a double-bogey six and featured a triple-bogey seven on the 17th.

Woods at least birdied the final hole to ensure he will be around for the weekend, but his hopes of glory appear to be over and defending champion Phil Mickelson must make up 12 shots on McIlroy if he is to prevail.

Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Bubba Watson were among the big names to miss the cut, which came at three over.

Bryden MacPherson, meanwhile, remained positive despite following his opening 90 – the worst round at the tournament for 15 years – with an 80 on Friday to finish last.

"I enjoyed every moment of it, as much as I could," said the Australian.

"You try and go out there and take in the experience for what it is instead of what you want it to be."

Thunderstorms are forecast for Saturday, meaning play will start from two tees at 9am.

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