By Basant El-Faramawy
Rory McIlroy put a controversial first-round penalty behind him to surge into contention at the Abu Dhabi Championship with an 11-birdie second round of 63 on Friday.
Penalty Controversy
McIlroy incurred a two-stroke penalty on Thursday for improving his lie at the 12th hole, despite insisting it was unintentional. The penalty left him eight shots off the lead at Yas Links.
McIlroy's Response
Speaking to Sky Sports, McIlroy said he would rather accept the penalty than be labeled a cheat. He made peace with the decision and played with a clear conscience, carding a bogey at the first hole before reeling off 11 birdies to reach 11 under par, one shot behind the leaders.
Leaderboard Update
Overnight leader Francesco Laporta of Italy and Jon Rahm both birdied the final hole to join Tyrrell Hatton at 12 under par. Hatton posted a seven-under 65, Rahm signed for a 67, and Laporta recovered from a double bogey at the 14th to shoot 70.
Other Notable Performances
McIlroy shares fourth place at 11 under with Matthew Jordan, Sam Bairstow, and Adrian Meronk. Tommy Fleetwood moved into a tie for 12th at eight under after a 66 that included five consecutive birdies on the front nine.
