Rory has sights set on regaining the No. 1 spot
RORY McILROY continued his comeback from injury by surging to a two-shot lead at the halfway mark of the £7.9million WGCMexico Championship.
The 27-year-old arrived in Mexico City after recovering from a stress fracture of a rib knowing he could reclaim top spot in the world rankings for the first time since August 2015 by winning his thirdWGC title, as long as current No. 1 Dustin Johnson finishes joint fourth or worse.
He was ideally placed to fulfil his part of the bargain after a second round of 65 at Chapultepec Golf Club which left him two ahead of Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas and England’s Ross Fisher.
Johnson carded a 66 to end the day in a share of fifth place with Andy Sullivan and Daniel Berger, Sullivan holing his approach to the ninth for an eagle before adding birdies on the 11th, 15th and 16th in a superb 65.
McIlroy said: “Going out starting the day I would have taken a 65 but I had a great chance for birdie on 16, three-putted 17 and then missed from short range on 18.
“I’m in a great position, leading going into the weekend, but I feel like I could have been a few more ahead.
“I tried to approach this week not with low expectations, but just to see how it went, take each day as it came and through the first two days I’m in a good position.
“My body feels good, which is the most important thing I think, and if I can continue to play the way I have I’ve got a great chance this week.”
Mickelson had earlier shown few ill effects after being forced to change his caddie early on day two, with Jim Mackay lasting just three holes before being forced to leave the course due to a stomach virus.
Fortunately for Mickelson, his brother Tim had been alerted to the problem and was on hand to take over on the bag, with the pair combining for a 68 containing four birdies and a solitary bogey.
“He’s irreplaceable, he’s one of the best in the business,” Mickelson said of Mackay. “He’s so good at club selection and here at altitude that’s where he is invaluable, but he’s hurting.
“But on the positive side I had a lot of fun with my brother. As a college golf coach for many years he understands smart strategy and he was there if I needed to talk through some stuff.”