• World Cup of Golf, Round Two

McIlroy and McDowell make ominous move

Rory McIlroy stares down an iron approach © Getty Images

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• News: Rory and GMac trail Australia by two
  
• Profile: Graeme McDowell | Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy missed a birdie putt on the final hole but Ireland still moved to a share of the lead after two rounds of the World Cup of Golf.

McIlroy's partner Graeme McDowell set up the birdie opportunity in the foursomes format with a stunning iron approach to seven feet but his partner left the ball on the high side.

The Irish duo made a bright start at Mission Hills with birdies on four, six and seven. Bogeys on 11 and 13 threatened to check the momentum but two birdies coming home moved them to 13-under following a round of 68.

"We are happy, definitely, after the start we had," McIlroy told Sky Sports. "We struggled to find our rhythm early, but we were able to play the first four holes in one-under which was a bonus. And then we started to play nicely after that.

"We left maybe a couple out there, but 68 is a good score and sets us up for a good weekend."

McDowell said: "It is a difficult format, it is tough to get your rhythm. He hung us together early doors with some nice putts and then we started to get our rhythm. We are content with our score and we are playing nicely."

McIlroy and McDowell began the day two behind overnight leaders Australia but Richard Green and Brendon Jones fluffed the 18th to drop back to 13-under.

Scotland pairing Stephen Gallagher and Martin Laird are one adrift of the leaders after also making a mess of the 18th - with the duo failing to get up and down from the bunker at the front of the green.

The English pairing of Justin Rose and Ian Poulter sit five off the lead. The highlight of their round of 69 was a brilliant eagle two on the 16th.

Spain, New Zealand and USA are three behind at 10-under.

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