• Korean Open, Round Two

Big names convene at the front in Korea

YE Yang is looking for a repeat success in South Korea © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Aggressive McIlroy lurks behind Fowler and Yang
  
• Profile: Rickie Fowler | Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy found himself in a five-way share of the lead at the halfway stage of the Korean Open, after firing a round of 69 on Friday.

The Northern Irishman clawed himself level with Rickie Fowler and defending champion YE Yang atop the leaderboard at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club, after his two-under par effort moved him to five-under for the tournament.

Much like Thursday it could have been even better for the US Open champion, after he opened the front nine with two birdies and seven pars. He found three birdies in his final six holes but was undone by just as many bogeys - although he did at least take advantage of the par-five 18th, after dropping a shot there on Thursday.

"It was a good round. I felt it could have been lower, but I played solid golf and holed some nice putts," McIlroy said. "It's a good start to the tournament and I have put myself in a good position going into the weekend."

Neither Yang nor Fowler could match their opening scores of 67, as they both had symmetrical rounds of 70 (35 on either nine) to leave them tied alongside McIlroy, Joong-kyung Mo and Australian Bronson La'Cassie - who had the low round of the day thanks to his 67.

Meen-Whee Kim is the nearest challenger to the leaders, despite being three shots behind at two-under, while European Tour regular Seung-yul Noh is also in the hunt, after his round of 69 put him on one-under for the competition.

It was an impressive round from the South Korean, who overcame a triple-bogey seven at the second to find five birdies on a tough day in Cheonan and fight his way back into contention.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.