Rory McIlroy in contention after positive Abu Dhabi second round

Former world number one Rory McIlroy has put himself in contention for the Abu Dhabi Championship after finishing the second round two shots off the pace.

The Northern Irishman, who carded a five-under 67 today, finished the first round tied 19th.

However, the 24-year-old moved up the leaderboard with two quick birdies this morning, but reached the turn at level par following a double-bogey on the sixth.

McIlroy recovered from his blip to shoot birdies on five holes on the back nine to give himself a chance behind leaders Craig Lee and Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who sit nine under.

Englishman Danny Willett currently sits one shot off the pace.