The Players Championship: Rory McIlroy two off halfway lead as Justin Thomas equals course record at TPC Sawgrass

14 March 2025, 21:17 | Updated: 14 March 2025, 23:56

Rory McIlroy is two off the halfway lead despite a disappointing finish to his second round at The Players, as Justin Thomas charged back into contention with a historic comeback.

McIlroy produced a much-improved display off the tee and briefly topped the leaderboard after six birdies in his first 11 holes, only to bogey two of his last four holes and close a second-round 68.

The world No 2 heads into the weekend on nine under and in touch with Min Woo Lee and Akshay Bhatia, who carded 66s to lead on 11 under ahead of JJ Spaun, with McIlroy sitting tied-fourth alongside Collin Morikawa and Alex Smalley.

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