• Maybank Malaysian Open, Round Two

McIlroy surges ahead in Malaysia

Rory McIlroy was in stunning form on Friday, shooting a 64 © Getty Images

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Rory McIlroy went a long way to proving he is over his Masters collapse by surging into the clubhouse lead at the Maybank Malaysian Open.

The Ulsterman posted a solid opening 69 on Thursday, but ramped things up on Friday with some superb play in his round of 64.

He let the odd putt slip by in his first round but was far more assured on the greens and it enabled him to surge up the leaderboard to sit atop the charts at 11-under.

"I went out and played well," McIlroy said. "I have done for a couple of days but the difference was I holed a couple of putts.

"It feels good - I've got my swing in a nice groove. I feel comfortable shaping it both ways. I've been driving the ball pretty good which you need to around here. It's been really good, I've not missed many shots.

"I'm feeling good. I played well last week and I've continued that on to this week."

Starting his second round at the tenth, McIlroy hit five birdies in an outward 31. Three more birdies followed, including a two on the eighth - his 17th - to take up him into a share of the lead with Alexander Noren who backed up an opening 64 with a 69.

Simon Dyson, who has an excellent record in Asia, is one shot adrift of the leaders at 10-under after shooting a stunning 64 - which included birdies on his final three holes.

World No. 1 Martin Kaymer failed to gather any momentum and is eight shots adrift of McIlroy after a second round d 71.

Play was suspended for the best part of three hours on account of lightning in the area. Masters champion Charl Schwartzel will return on Saturday morning to complete his round. The South African will require a steady finish as he sits just one shot above the projected cut line with five holes to play.

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