Fleetwood jumps into India C'ship lead as McIlroy fights to stay in contention

Tommy Fleetwood kept up his strong finish to the season by shooting 8-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead at the halfway point of the DP World India Championship as Ryder Cup teammate Rory Mcllroy battled to stay in contention on Friday.

- 

The Englishman hit eight birdies including five on the back nine to open up a one-shot advantage ahead of overnight leader Shane Lowry at the picturesque Delhi Golf Club.

Fleetwood said playing alongside Lowry and Europe's Ryder Cup-winning captain Luke Donald got the best out of him.

"Yeah, unbelievable three-ball," said Fleetwood. "I think because you're so comfortable with each other, you do your own thing... It's always like a bonus when you're with two guys that you're really close with. "It has been a great two days. I feel like if I'm playing with Shane for the next two days, I'm doing something right probably."

Lowry had an up and down round and ended with a bogey for a three-under 69 in round two to take joint second place with 2023 British Open champion Brian Harman of the US.

Japan's Keita Nakajima kept up his impressive play from round one to reach 10-under for the tournament, two strokes behind Fleetwood.