Rory McIlroy pushes through frustrating back nine to share lead in Dubai

Rory McIlroy took an important step forward in his quest to claim the DP World Tour Championship title – and, with it, a record-equalling eighth order of merit title – with a second-round 70 for a share of the midway lead in Dubai.

The Northern Irishman didn’t have it all his own way, however. In windy conditions at the Earth course, McIlroy was in cruise control through 11 holes only to allow some frustration to creep in. It resulted in three bogeys on the way home before a birdie on the 18th pulled him level with Tyrrell Hatton at the top of the leader board on five-under.