Route 66 puts McIlroy back in the mix in Dubai - Harrington inside top 20

Rory McIlroy played his way back into the mix at the Dubai Desert Classic following a flawless six-under 66 at the Emirates Golf Club.

Beginning the day on one-under following a mixed bag opening round on Thursday, McIlroy was immediately on the move on the first hole of round two, making birdie on the par-four.

Another followed on the fourth as McIlroy parred the remaining holes on the front nine to turn at three-under for the tournament.

McIlroy moved a shot closer to the leaders on the tenth, making a birdie on the par-five, before adding an eagle on the 13th hole to get to six-under.

The four-time major winner then made amends for his bogey on 18 on Thursday by finishing in style with a birdie to get to seven-under par.

That leaves McIlroy in a tie for fifth place, four shots off the current leader Justin Harding, who added a four-under 68 to his first round 65.

Chip in eagle for Rory!