McIlroy reined in by impressive Bjorn

Northern Ireland’s US Open champion justified his position as favourite by adding a 65 to his first round 66 to reach 13-under.

But 40-year-old Bjorn has matched him shot-for-shot so far and now finds himself in a battle with not only the world No 2, but also golf’s third and fourth-ranked players as well.

Martin Kaymer had the first hole-in-one of his life on the 186-yard seventh as he reached 11-under with a 67, while Lee Westwood’s 65 for 10-under included birdies on the last three holes.

Rafael Cabrera-Bello’s 69 left him in third place only one off the pace, while Kaymer shares fourth spot with Scott Jamieson and Gregory Bourdy.

Malton’s Simon Dyson came in nine shots behind McIlroy and Bjorn after following up his opening round of 72 with a 68

Two shots further back is Sheffield’s Danny Willett after he matched his Thursday score of 71.

But Morley’s Danny Denison missed the cut after shooting 74 – two more than his opening score – and was joined on the early flight home by Hull’s Richard Finch who hit 72 yesterday, two more than his opening round.