Tommy Fleetwood aims to close gap on Rory McIlroy at Wentworth
By Ali Stafford at Wentworth
Last Updated: 25/05/18 8:56pm
Tommy Fleetwood is aiming to make a weekend charge on Rory McIlroy after moving into contention at the BMW PGA Championship.
The Race to Dubai champion birdied his final three holes to post a six-under 66 on Friday and get within four shots of midway pacesetter McIlroy, who fired a round-of-the-day 65.
Fleetwood was 10 shots off the pace when he began his second round, but made a big move on the four-time major champion by mixing seven birdies with a sole blemish on the West Course.
"I was just glad he [McIlroy] didn't birdie the last two!" Fleetwood said. "By the looks of it, he was on fire.
"At least you know when the leader is ten in front of you, going the other way or staying the same is going to do no good.
"The atmosphere will be great tomorrow but you've got to just keep your head down and concentrate on what you're doing, as who knows what Rory is going to do.
"He is four clear of me so it's not going to be an easy task, but I'll do what I can and hopefully I play well."
Sam Horsfield is McIlroy's closest challenger - along with Sebastien Gros - and sits on nine under after posting a four-under 68, while Graeme McDowell heads into the weekend six strokes off the pace after a second-round 67.
"When Rory is on his game, he's incredibly tough to catch," McDowell said. "I know he likes it around here, having won here in the past.
"These are perfect conditions for him. Obviously no wind means target golf; he can use his length and his ball-flight control to his great advantage.
"Obviously I'm hoping to give him a run for his money this weekend and hopefully we can get some drier weather and a little bit of wind to keep us all honest."
Watch the BMW PGA Championship throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues on Saturday from 11.30am on Sky Sports Golf and 1pm on Sky Sports Main Event.
