‘Angry, frustrated and disappointed’

WENTWORTH, United Kingdom: Rory McIlroy looked to have shrugged off his recent indifferent form as he shot a 67 at the PGA Championship on Thursday (Friday in Manila) to sit two shots behind leader Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark.

The 29-year-old four-time major winner, who is also one adrift of unheralded South African duo Dean Burmester and Darren Fichardt, believes he has established a platform to go on and win the title for a second time.

Indeed he might well have been at least tied for second but for a photographer distracting him on

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a birdie opportunity.

“If you start to chase it here it can bite you,” said Northern Ireland star McIlroy.

“The course is fairer than it was and I feel comfortable with my game.

“I don’t feel I have to be over ag- I will be up there come Sunday.”

the cut in the tournament for the -

ten in successive events.

“I’ve not had much success around this place but played lovely today,” said the 26-year-old.

“I’m just pleased that my form

doing some of the same stuff the Burmester and Fichardt had

who had missed the cut at the tournament on the past seven occasions, posting three birdies apiece on the outward and homeward nine.

“Obviously I’m very, very happy,” said Fichardt. “On this golf course, everything’s got to be good.

“So this time of the year, usually for me has never been good set to be the overnight leader as he lay dropping three shots. A more surprising name up near the top is Englishman Richard Bland who had made the cut in just two of his best round since January.

The 45-year-old, who has yet to win a tournament in his 22 years as a professional, came home strongly with three birdies in the last four holes and giving him and his family a welcome reason to smile after a tough start to the year.

“My brother (Heath) got very seriously ill in December and was in a coma for nearly a month after Christmas,” said Bland.

“He’s still recovering, he’s here today which is great, it’s great to

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- ily Ryder Cup veteran Ian Poulter who early on shared some good natured banter with playing partner and last year’s Race To Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood.

However, the smile had disappeared from Poulter’s face by the time

Some

of

the higher

- able for a general audience,” he said. “All I will say is I am extremely angry, disappointed.” frustrated and