Rory McIlroy is in contention at the halfway stage of the Hong Kong Open after shooting a six-under-par 64 in Friday's second round.

The Holywood teenager, who birdied his first four holes, is two off the pace on six under.

Gareth Maybin is two under after a 67 with Graeme McDowell one under (68) and Paul McGinley (69) is level.

Oliver Fisher, Louis Ossthuizen, Chawalit Plaphol and Oliver Wilson share the lead.

McIlroy felt he should have bettered his six-under-par 64 but he is delighted to be in contention.

"I played really nicely although I could have done better as I didn't birdie any of the last five holes," said McIlroy.

"But the 64 puts me right in there and if I can shoot something in the mid-60s on Saturday then I'll be in with a shout in the final round."

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