McIlroy fires 63 to move into Abu Dhabi contention

Rory McIlroy moved into contention at the Abu Dhabi Championship with a nine-under-par 63, recovering from a two-shot penalty in the opening round. He reached 11 under and held the clubhouse lead, though several players were still completing their second rounds.

The penalty came after McIlroy pressed down grass behind his ball before a chip shot on Thursday, leaving him eight shots off the lead. His Friday round included 11 birdies, a first for him in a DP World Tour event. He is seeking a fifth consecutive Race to Dubai title and an eighth overall; standings rivals Eugenio Chacarra and Patrick Reed both shot 71 and remained well behind.