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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Eamon Doggett

Rory McIlroy pays tribute to the Queen after roaring into contention at Wentworth

Rory McIlroy paid tribute to the Queen on the day that he roared into contention at the BMW PGA Championship.

McIlroy is just one shot off the lead heading into the third and final round at Wentworth after Friday's play was called off following the death of the long-serving monarch.

A second round 65 has the Holywood man on 11-under-par and one behind Scandinavian pair Viktor Hovland and Soren Kjeldsen.

READ MORE: Shane Lowry admits he 'can't stand' presence of certain LIV players at Wentworth

Just one shot behind McIlroy is Shane Lowry after the Offaly man shot a 68 to follow his opening round of 66.

McIlroy struggled off the tee at times and with his approach play but his putter bailed him out on a number of occasions.

And the world number three was able to take advantage of all four par fives, including an eagle on the 4th hole.

Fresh off winning the FedEx Cup, McIlroy is looking to win the BMW PGA Championship for a second time. He last won it in 2014 when beating Lowry by a single shot.

Asked about the prospect of winning the championship for a second time, McIlroy said: "I'm really excited. The end of the season in America was obviously a really good one for me, but I really wanted to come over here and not let up.

"I knew my game was in really good shape, so I wanted to finish my season off as well as I possibly could.

"I want to win the Race to Dubai. I've played really good golf this year without getting the rewards in the highest of championships, which are the majors.

"But if I can finish the season off in Europe like I did in the States that would be a nice consolation, and it gives me great momentum heading into the new year."

McIlroy also paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her death on Thursday at the age of 96.

He said: "I think she was dignity, dedication and grace personified. She was a great lady. I had the honour of meeting her once before.

"It's a sad day but also a celebration of her life. She provided a steadiness for this country that no other has.

"I'm sure the scenes over the next few weeks are going to be incredible and as they should be because she was an incredible woman."

Lowry, meanwhile, kept his patience after a frustrating day on the greens to birdie the last two holes in a bogey-free round of 68.

The 2019 Open champion has an excellent record around Wentworth but has yet to taste victory having gone close on a number of occasions.

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