• The Barclays, 2nd Round

McIlroy makes charge, Kuchar leads

Webb Simpson was the clubhouse leader on Friday, posting 66 to go nine-under at Liberty National © Getty Images

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The Barclays leaderboard

Rory McIlroy enjoyed a strong, consistent second round at The Barclays, carding five birdies in his first eight holes at Liberty National and finishing with a six-under par 65 - five shots off leader Matt Kuchar.

McIlroy's early efforts left him four-under for the tournament after the front nine. Despite bogeying the 9th, McIlroy responded with three more birdies and another bogey on his return to action on Saturday, following the suspension of play on Friday due to bad light.

It capped a solid display from McIlroy, who finished his first round with three double bogeys, and moved the 24-year-old well within contention ahead of the weekend action.

Kuchar made eight birdies and two bogeys in his second round of 65, moving him two shots clear of early clubhouse leaders Webb Simpson and Gary Woodland.

Simpson had taken the early lead before play was halted, hitting 66 to go nine-under in New Jersey. Following six birdies in his first eight holes, the American dropped shots either side of the turn but finished strongly to lead the field.

Woodland enjoyed late momentum to post his challenge towards the top following a second round of 64. Four birdies in his last five holes moves Woodland well within a shout of the lead ahead of round three.

Elsewhere, Rickie Fowler, Keegan Bradley and Adam Scott sit just four shots off Kuchar's lead after posting respective scores of 64, 63 and 66, while Charl Schwartzel carded a 67 to move to seven-under alongside the trio.

Sergio Garcia and Freddie Jacobson are well placed on six-under, with the Spaniard making an impressive 66 to follow up Thursday's opening round of 70. David Lynn joins McIlroy, Justin Rose and Brendan de Jonge also on six-under.

Tiger Woods is amongst the host of players on six-under after two rounds after his two-under 69. Woods quickly moved to three-under thru five holes, but was pegged back with three dropped shots in the middle of his round. A strong finish, including birdie at the 17th, leaves Woods within touching distance of the leaders.

Luke Donald followed his impressive first-round 67 with a disappointing 72 on Friday, slipping to three-under overall.

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