Rory McIlroy Fires 63 To Chase Rahm, Hatton At Abu Dhabi Championship

Rory McIlroy turned controversy into a serious championship opportunity Friday, firing a spectacular 9-under 63 at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship to move within one shot of a three-way lead that includes Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Francesco Laporta.

McIlroy's second-round performance at Yas Links featured 11 birdies, including five consecutive birdies from holes 9 through 13.

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The Northern Irishman climbed to 11-under 133, sharing fourth place with Adrian Meronk, Matthew Jordan and Sam Bairstow.

The leaders are at 12 under after 36 holes. Rahm followed Thursday's 65 with a 67, while Hatton reversed those numbers with rounds of 67 and 65. Laporta, who opened with a brilliant 62, added a 70 Friday.

But McIlroy's round carried additional significance after Thursday's rules controversy nearly derailed his tournament.

McIlroy received a two-stroke penalty after officials reviewed footage of him apparently pressing down grass behind his ball on the par-4 12th hole. The ruling changed his opening-round score from 68 to 70.

Rather than allowing the incident to become a distraction, McIlroy delivered one of the tournament's most impressive rounds.

"I'd much rather be two shots worse off than be called a cheat," McIlroy said.

His comeback also strengthens his pursuit of an eighth career Race to Dubai championship. McIlroy entered the week third in the season-long standings, chasing Eugenio Chacarra and Patrick Reed.

Meanwhile, Rahm and Hatton are providing another major storyline following LIV Golf's announcement Thursday that it would wind down operations after its proposed financial rescue collapsed.

Both former LIV stars had already moved toward futures outside the Saudi-backed circuit, and their performances in Abu Dhabi suggest neither has lost a step.

"Really happy how I've played," Hatton said, acknowledging some mistakes but expressing satisfaction with his improving form.

Rahm sounded similarly confident about his game, although he identified a handful of errant tee shots as an area requiring attention.

Adam Scott remains within striking distance at 9 under, while Tommy Fleetwood sits at 8 under and Aaron Rai at 6 under.

For McIlroy, however, the opportunity is particularly compelling. He's finished second twice and third six times in Abu Dhabi without winning the event.

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With 36 holes remaining, McIlroy has a chance to erase that disappointment, capture his 22nd DP World Tour victory and strengthen his position in the Race to Dubai.

And after everything that happened Thursday, a Sunday victory would make for quite a redemption story.