By Matt Smith
The tussle between the top two Ryder Cup hopes for Team Europe turned in Rory McIlroy’s favour on Friday as he took advantage of the late-evening light to eke out a one-shot lead over Matthew Fitzpatrick at the Italian Open.

Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald will be delighted to see his two leading lights shine on a course where Team Europe hope to wrest back the Ryder Cup in September 2023. Incredibly, the captain himself is finding the form that once made him world No. 1. He it T5 thanks to a 69, 68 start — and he is only 44 years old…

We jest but he must be invigorated by his leading lights.

Rory used the last of the light to complete a second-round 66. The world No. 2 was playing the 18th as the hooter sounded to announce play had been suspended due to fading light but he opted to finish his round, and holed his birdie putt to move to nine-under and open up a one-shot lead.

Afternoon starter McIlroy made a stunning eagle, six birdies and three bogeys as he treated the fans at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club to some world-class golf.

First-round leader Fitzpatrick produced a second-round 69 which contained five straight birdies to get to eight-under, having earlier returned to put the finishing touches to his first round.

Tom Lewis was alone in third on seven under after making eight birdies and two bogeys in his second-round 65. Victor Perez was then on six under, one clear of the large group containing Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald, who himself impressed as he took a closer look at next year’s host venue and several prospective team members.

“I had a nice finish and probably saved myself from getting it done tomorrow,” said McIlroy. “Fitz has had an unbelievable year, first major championship and he’s obviously matured into one of the best players in the world. I am Looking forward to going up against him over the weekend.”

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