Rory McIlroy closes gap on Ludvig Aberg at Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy remains in contention to defend his title at the Scottish Open but his European Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Aberg stands in his way.  

McIlroy began the championship with a five-under 65 and followed that with a 66 on Friday. 

After 36 holes the Northern Irishman is on nine-under, three behind Aberg. 

Aberg carded his second consecutive round of 65 in the morning wave and leads Frenchman Antoine Rozner by one.

Matteo Mannassero, Sungjae Im, Alex Noren, Rasmus Hojgaard, Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala are also inside the top-10. 

Home favourite Robert MacIntyre is four adrift of the lead. 

Big names to miss the cut included Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Will Zalatoris and Rickie Fowler. 

First round leader Justin Thomas faltered with a two-over par 72 to fall six off the pace. 

Aberg rose to superstardom in 2023 by clinching his first PGA Tour win months after turning professional. 

He was selected as a captain's pick for the Ryder Cup and shone in Europe's victory over Team USA. 

Aberg finished second his maiden Masters Tournament to Scottie Scheffler and, despite missing the cut at the PGA Championship, bounced back by contending once again at the US Open.

At the halfway stage it appeared as though he could make a run for the trophy at Pinehurst No.2, but back-to-back rounds of 73 saw him finish in a tie for 12th. 

He will undoubtedly be touted as a potential winner for the claret jug next week. 

"I wouldn't describe myself as a superstar - all I try to do is play good golf," Aberg told reporters. 

"Whether these last 12 months have changed my life on the golf course, it hasn't changed my life off the course. I'm still the same personality.

"Any time you shoot 64, it's a good day. We handled the golf course very well and never tried to force anything."

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