Rory McIlroy leads by two strokes in Mexico

TIL Desk Sports/ Rory McIlroy, chasing a return to the world No. 1 ranking in his first start in seven weeks, fired a second-round 65 to grab the lead in the WGC-Mexico Championship. The Northern Irishman vaulted into a two-shot lead ahead of five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, American Justin Thomas and England’s Ross Fisher.

Four-time major champion McIlroy reached a total of nine-under 133 at the Chapultepec Golf Club for his first 36 hole lead on the USPGA Tour since the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla.

“I just felt like I had a bit more energy. I had a bit more pep in my step,” said McIlroy, who showed no ill effects of the stomach trouble he has battled this week. “I wasn’t just trying to get through the round today. I was trying to build on the score that I had, and it was nice to feel like that again.”