McIlroy one behind at Jerez

Rory McIlroy is bang on course to emulate Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia in the prestigious Grey Goose Cup.

The teen sensation, 17, hit a two under par 70 to trail Norwegian Marius Thorp by a shot halfway through the former Sherry Cup at Sotogrande.

The Holywood ace moved to five under par as former European champion Thorp fired a second successive 69 to grab the halfway lead.

Baltray's Simon Ward is the next best of the Irish after a 73 left him tied for seventh on level par.

Offaly's Shane Lowry hit a 72 to move up to 23rd place with Dubliner Niall Kearney on seven over after a 77.