Rory McIlroy is two shots off lead at Abu Dhabi

Rory McIlroy birdied his last two holes to post a five-under-par 67 and move to within two shots of the lead after two rounds at the Abu Dhabi Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

McIlroy, at seven under overall in the European Tour event, was rapt to be in contention for a second win in three tournaments.

“It’s a great position to be in, as I’m only a few off the lead, so I’m excited,” McIlroy said.

Playing partner Phil Mickelson was also happy, though in relief to make the cut by two shots at one under after a 70.

“I’m really glad I made the cut and I now have a chance over these next two days, because I kind of keyed in on something with my swing starting to feel much better,” Mickelson said. “I really need these two days to get my game in shape.”

In a two-way tie for the lead were Scotland’s Craig Lee (67) and Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello (68) at nine under, a stroke ahead of England’s Danny Willett (63).

McIlroy was sharing fourth with Argentina’s Ricardo Gonzalez (66) and Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn (70).

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Rocco Mediate took the first-round lead in the Champions Tour’s season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii, with a nine-under 63, a stroke ahead of 2012 winner Dan Forsman.

Fred Couples, Fred Funk, Tom Pernice Jr. and Steve Elkington shot 65.