Rory McIlroy stays in touch as Jordan Spieth misses cut at Northern Trust Open

Rory McIlroy failed to close the gap to the lead at the Northern Trust Open by the end of day two in California, but the world number three is still just four shots off the pace going into the weekend.

McIlroy followed up his opening four-under-par 67 with a two-under score of 69 yesterday to sit in a tie for seventh place, four behind America's Jason Kokrak.

Kokrak's seven-under 64 was the round of the day at Riviera Country Club and he holds a one-shot lead over compatriot Chez Reavie, with top-10 duo Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson in close pursuit on eight-under.

World number one Jordan Spieth carded the worst opening round of his career on Thursday with a 69 and although he improved on day two, a three-under 68 - which included eight birdies - was not enough to prevent from him missing the cut.