DS Automobiles Italian Open R2

A second round 66 for Rory ✍️ #DS79OpendItalia pic.twitter.com/01gQr4BJ57

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 16, 2022

Rory McIlroy completed his second round as the light faded to close with a birdie for a 66 and a one-shot lead at 9-under in the DS Automobiles Italian Open.

“I played a little bit better today, especially on the back nine. I took advantage of some of the more birdieable holes,” said the Northern Irishman.

“I short-sided myself a couple of times and was able to play some good shots and get myself out of it and holed the putts.

“A few areas to try and tidy up but overall, a few good par saves which you always need.

“Fitz has had an unbelievable year, first Major Championship and he’s obviously matured into one of the best players in the world. Looking forward to going up against him over the weekend.”

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Overnight leader Matt Fitzpatrick carded a 69 featuring five consecutive birdies from the 11th as well as two others but also five bogeys and slipped down into second place at 8-under.

Fellow Englishman Tom Lewis closed with a 65 to take third place at 7-under, one ahead of Frenchman Victor Perez in fourth after carding a 66.

Englishmen Tyrrell Hatton (65), Jordan Smith (68) and Luke Donald (68) share fifth place at 5-under alongside Spain’s Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez (66), Joost Luiten (71) of the Netherlands and Australian Lucas Herbert (67).

Play was suspended due to fading light at 19:20. Round 2 will resume at 08:00 with round 3 not starting before 10:00.