McIlroy in mix heading into weekend at Wentworth

The Northern Irishman made three birdies in his opening five holes and recovered from dropped shots on the eighth and 16th , including birdies on the 17th and 18th holes. Reigning Masters champion McIlroy's hopes of winning a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title were also buoyed . The American, who currently leads the standings on the DP World Tour, had been well placed after the first round but was forced to retire through injury while nine-over par for Friday's round. "Unfortunately he's pulled out this week, which gives me an opportunity to try to claw back some ground that I lost last week in Ireland," said McIlroy, who is at eight under overall. "This weekend is a big weekend for me to pick up a few points and make the race even tighter going into these last few weeks. I'm in a great spot heading into the weekend." Gerard made five birdies and an eagle in a flawless round of 65 to leave him two shots clear of Australia's Adam Scott and Italian Filippo Celli, who are at 10 under. US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai, who played alongside McIlroy and Open champion Ryan Fox in a marquee group, also enjoyed a birdie-birdie finish as he signed for a 69. The Englishman, who had shared the lead overnight, was at nine under alongside Spain's Manuel Elvira, with McIlroy and Fox among a quintet of players a further shot back. Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka was among the big names to miss the cut at one over. Englishman Tommy Fleetwood will also miss the weekend after a 74 left him at three over, while Spain's Jon Rahm endured another day to forget, following up a six-over-par 78 on Thursday with a 77 to end 138th and last of all those to finish on Friday.