• Shanghai Masters, Round Two

McIlroy regroups to add to advantage

Ian Poulter escapes from a greenside bunker © Getty Images

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Rory McIlroy extended his lead on the second day of the Shanghai Masters after bouncing back from a double bogey at the ninth to salvage a round of 69.

McIlroy moved to 11-under for the tournament after coming home in 32 on Friday, opening up a two-shot lead on the field despite Seung-yul Noh's impressive round of 63 - the lowest of the tournament so far.

After opening with a clinical 64, McIlroy initially looked like he might put in a repeat performance in round two until an ugly six at the ninth threatened to derail his progress. But he bounced back with some style to reel off four unanswered birdies on the inward nine, enough to consolidate his position going into the weekend.

The 22-year-old will face the closest challenge from South Korean Noh, who catapulted himself into contention after opening the tournament with an underwhelming level-par round of 72.

Avoiding dropping a shot all day, Noh had four birdies on the front nine and five on the back as he thrust himself firmly into contention.

Former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen (66) and Anthony Kim (68) are next in the chase for the biggest first prize in golf, as both men sit on eight-under.

Hunter Mahan, playing alongside McIlroy after both men's fast starts on Thursday, lost ground as he remained on seven-under after a round of 72, a total matched by Padraig Harrington and one better than both Robert Karlsson and Ian Poulter.

A collection of players are grouped at five-under, including Lee Westwood - who again made steady, if unspectacular, progress after a round of 70. The world No. 2 will hope to make a more concerted move on Saturday, as will the likes of Charl Schwartzel, Colin Montgomerie and John Daly.

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