In-form McIlroy moves into contention

DIGEST:BMW MASTERS: World number one Rory McIlroy shut out noisy distractions to move to within two shots of leader Peter Hanson on day two of the BMW Masters golf yesterday.

Despite constant sounds of nearby building construction, sirens and even fireworks, along with the distraction of on-course mobile phones, McIlroy did not drop a shot in a round of seven-under-par 65 to move into second place on 12 under par.

Sweden’s Hanson, McIlroy’s double-winning Ryder Cup team mate, posted an eight-under par 64 to lead the €5.5 million event by two strokes on 14 under par on the Lake Malaren course.

Hanson started his round with a first-hole bogey before accumulating eight birdies in 16 holes. “It’s amazing how many good rounds come together after a bogey on the first,” said Hanson. “After starting with a bogey I got it straight back with a birdie on three.”

Hanson, the world number 25, captured a fifth European Tour victory a fortnight before the Ryder Cup in winning the KLM Open at Hilversum.

“I’ve been fighting really hard with my game after the Ryder Cup to get back the motivation because it is hard after such a big week and you prepare for so long to try and qualify for the team,” he added.

“I’ve got four events left this year, three on the European Tour and the Nedbank Challenge (South Africa), so I’ve set some high goals and I want to finish the year as strongly as possible.”

Hanson, however, will have to fend off McIlroy over the closing two rounds. Last year, the Irishman captured the Shanghai Masters exhibition match on the same course and he has won four times this season, including a second Major title.

“The more you put yourself in this position, the more comfortable you become with it,” said McIlroy. “I like the fact that most weeks I tee it up, I can get myself in contention.”

Sweden’s Robert Karlsson shot a 64 to move into third place on nine under par with Shane Lowry a further shot back following a splendid 64. Michael Hoey is in tie for eight place after following his opening 67 with a 70 yesterday. Graeme McDowell is four under following a 71 while struggling Paul McGinley (75) is five over.

CIMB CLASSIC: Tiger Woods had another day of near misses on the greens as he fired a second round four-under-par 67 on a stifling day at the CIMB Classic yesterday to trail leader Robert Garrigus (who shot a second consecutive 64) by five shots.

After another thunderstorm struck the Malaysian capital on Thursday night, the PGA Tour brought in preferred lies for the second round of the 48-man field event which led to low scoring on the short wet Mines Golf Course.

Woods, though, was left with the feeling of what might have been as, for the second consecutive round, he watched good putts trickle by the hole as temperatures reached 33 degrees with 50 per cent humidity.

“It was just one of those days where I didn’t make enough birdies,” said Woods, who had six birdies and two bogeys in his round, after finishing the day tied for fifth on nine-under 133.

The American’s playing partner Jbe Kruger had no such problems, as he fired a brilliant 64 to end the day alone in second on 12-under 130, two behind Garrigus.