McIlroy tees up cracker
Rory McIlroy says how he’s playing rather than who he’s partnering is his sole focus after hitting halfway in Dubai tied with Patrick Reed.
The Major winners were locked in a war of words heading into the rain-affected Dubai Desert Classic.
And the pair both f ind themselves on eight under through 36 holes, two off the top in tied seventh.
McIlroy and Reed will be in different groups in today’s third round, although in an interesting twist Luke Donald will be playing with Henrik Stenson, the man he replaced as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain after the Swede joined LIV Golf.
Englishman Richard Bland (67), Belgian Thomas Pieters (67) and American amateur Michael Thorbjornsen (64) are locked in a three-way tie on 10 under. Scot Connor Syme is one shot back after a five-under 67, with McIlroy and Reed on his coat-tails.
McIlroy, who will tee off in the group immediately behind the American, posted a 70 which included an eagle three on the 15th.
Ahead of a Monday finish, the Northern Irishman said: “I focus on myself when I’m out there. I need to sort my game out, that’s what I think. It’s not been great.”
Bland says he has no extra motivation to post a win on the DP World Tour despite now also being a member of the Saudi Arabiabacked LIV circuit.
The 49-year-old said: “I’m not trying to get one over on the guys who are out here.”
Calum Hill carded a 67 to share 15th on seven under, guaranteeing himself a first pay cheque of the new DP World Tour season.
Bob MacIntyre (69) and Ewen Ferguson (68) share 30th on five under. David Law and Grant Forrest are one further back after 69s.
Scott Jamieson (70) and Marc Warren (68) also made the cut on two under.