The Players R2: Rory McIlroy two adrift of surprise leaders at TPC Sawgrass

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Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is only two strokes adrift of the lead at the halfway stage of the 2025 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

McIlroy was out early in the marquee group alongside World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and two-time major champion Xander Schauffele. 

The trio played the back nine first and McIlroy, 35, took advantage of the easy conditions by making the turn in 5-under. 

McIlroy put another circle on his scorecard at the par-5 second hole but dropped shots at the sixth and ninth holes to card a 4-under 68. 

"Much better," McIlroy told reporters when asked to assess his round. 

"Hit it much better off the tee. I think I hit more fairways in six holes today than I did in 18 yesterday. 

"Yeah, [I] got it in play much better and then from there was able to give myself some opportunities and obviously make some birdies early. 

"Couldn't quite continue that on to the back nine, but it was much better off the tee."

Earlier, Australia's Min Woo Lee and American Akshay Bhatia both carded 66s to reach 11-under. 

Collin Morikawa, Will Zalatoris and Tommy Fleetwood are also in contention. 

The aforementioned Schauffele made the cut by the skin of his teeth. Defending champion Scheffler is six strokes adrift of the lead. 

Notable players who missed the cut here included Justin Rose, former LIV recruit Laurie Canter, Hideki Matsuyama, Adam Scott, Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland. 

Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark withdrew midway through his second round.

It was later confirmed Clark was suffering from a neck injury.