Matteo Manassero moves into lead in Northern Ireland

Matteo Manassero signed for a 66 featuring two eagles at the par-5s 1st and 12th as well as three birdies and two bogeys to take the Amgen Irish Open lead by one shot at the halfway mark.

“I played really well,” said Manassero. “I’m so happy with how I handled myself in difficult conditions this afternoon.

“There’s not much you can do, you have to hit good shots and the way the course is you need to start it on the right place with the right shape, the right trajectory, otherwise it’s just not good enough.

“Links golf makes you hit really difficult shots, everything has to be right. It takes a lot of energy out of you, but when you’re playing well the adrenaline kicks in and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Overnight leader Todd Clements made two birdies and two bogeys for a 71 and slid back into a share of second place at 5-under alongside fellow Englishman Laurie Canter who carded a 68.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy started on the back nine and made an eagle at the par-5 1st hole as well as one birdies and two bogeys for a 70 and lies in a share of fourth place at 4-under alongside Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson (69) and Spain’s Alejandro del Rey who produced an eagle at the first, four birdies, a bogey and a double bogey at the par-4 15th.

“I would have liked to have taken advantage of the easier conditions this morning,” said McIlroy.

“Those first nine holes, you’re not going to see RCD playing any easier. Then when the sun went it got a little colder and the wind started to come out of a different direction.

“It was just a matter of making sure I was here for the weekend and give myself a chance. Sort of job done for the first two days and turn my attention to the weekend.”

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