Rory McIlroy hot in late stages of 2nd round to take Dubai lead

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy plays a shot on the 13th hole during the second round, which was delayed due to fog on Friday, of the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018. (AP)

DUBAI: Rory McIlroy shot 5-under for the seven holes he played Saturday to take a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Dubai Desert Classic.
The four-time major champion was three-under par for his round after 11 holes when play was suspended Friday after heavy fog in the morning had delayed the start of the second round by 2 hours, 50 minutes.
But in perfect conditions Saturday, the 28-year-old finished a great round with three consecutive birdies for a 64 and a two-round total of 15-under 129.
Jamie Donaldson, who shot 69, was in second place.
The cut was at 5-under, the lowest in the history of the tournament. The previous low cut was 3-under in 2001 and 2007.
The third round was scheduled for later Saturday.