Tough forecast a breeze for McIlroy

RORY McILROY is ready to blow away the rest of the field on a windy weekend at The Players Championship.

- By Neil McLeman

The Northern Irishman fired six birdies in his first 11 holes before two late bogeys saw him card a second-round 68 at Sawgrass.

World No.2 McIlroy was two shots behind clubhouse leaders Min Woo Lee of Australia (66) and American Akshay Bhatia (66), who were on 11 under.

Gusting winds of up to 30mph and more rain are forecast for the final two rounds of the $25million event.