Gerard surges to take clubhouse lead, as McIlroy impresses at Wentworth

Ryan Gerard leapfrogged Adam Scott and Filippo Celli to take a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the BMW PGA Championship, as Rory McIlroy impressed on day two to finish four shots off the lead.

Scott and Celli had climbed to take a share of the clubhouse lead midway through the second round at 10 under par, but Gerard surged in the afternoon, posting a flawless bogey-free seven-under 65 to finish his day at 12 under.

• Leaderboard: Rai takes share of lead on day one
• Latest DP World Tour headlines, reports and highlights
• Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW📺

Aaron Rai, who co-led coming into Friday's round, finished tied with Manuel Elvira for fourth, while his playing partners, McIlroy and Ryan Fox, trailed them by one shot, sharing sixth place with five other players at eight under par.

Some big names missed the cut on Friday at Wentworth, including European Ryder Cup stars Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood, with the Spaniard enduring a torrid two days at Wentworth, going 11 over par through 36 holes.

Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick had at times been in danger of missing the cut too on Friday, but both produced remarkable finishes, each chipping in on the 18th, with the former making an eagle, to cap off their second rounds in style.

Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed was forced to withdraw due to injury on the ninth hole after going nine over par.

More to follow…