As final rounds beckon, Rory McIlroy confident of title run

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy said he will need to turn flashes of brilliance into firing on all cylinders for his final two rounds as he aims to win the British Open on home soil at Royal Portrush.

The Masters champion sits at three under par, five behind clubhouse leader Brian Harman, after the opening two days of his return to Northern Ireland.

After a rollercoaster first round that contained five birdies, four bogeys and a series of wild tee shots, McIlroy was more controlled on his way to a 69 on Friday.

"I feel like my game's definitely good enough to make a run," McIlroy told reporters.

"I'm excited for the weekend. I've been somewhat close to my best over the first two days in little bits here and there. I'm going to need to have it all under to make a run," he added. McIlroy has at least ensured he will be around for the weekend, in contrast to six years ago when he failed to make the cut at Portrush.

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