First-round leader Rory McIlroy found himself tied for fifth with a second-round 74 Friday at the season-opening Dubai Invitational.
The Northern Irishman made up for two birdies with five bogeys, including the 17th and 18th holes at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. At 2 under par, McIlroy is three shots behind co-leaders Nacho Elvira of Spain (68 Friday) and Irishman Shane Lowry (68).
The Spaniard David Puig (72) and the Englishman Marcus Armitage (70) share third place at 3 under. McIlroy, world number 2, is tied with Frenchman Antoine Rozner (72), Spaniard Angel Ayora (72) and South African Thriston Lawrence (71).
Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood of England fell into a tie for 39th after shooting a 7-over 78 on Friday. He made a double bogey on the 218-yard, par-3 eighth hole.
–Field level media
