McIlroy 'implodes' to fall back to level par on day two at Scottish Open

Northern Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy struggled on the second day as he followed his course-record 64 with a 78 to fall back to level par after two rounds at the Scottish Open.

McIlroy shot six bogeys and a double bogey for a seven-over-par as he struggled on day two at Royal Aberdeen.

Scot Marc Warren shot 69 to share the lead on six-under-par alongside Swede Kristoffer Broberg and Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina, The BBC reported.

England's Justin Rose (68) is a shot further back, while defending champion Phil Mickelson (73) is on one under.

McIlroy said that it has been the case all year, adding that he has got off to great starts and fell away, but he is still in the tournament and could go out next day and try to get some of those shots back.

Scot Russell Knox hit two eagles and a birdie in his first six holes but struggled on the back nine and signed for a 74 to leave him level par, the report said.

Among the other home hopefuls is Greig Hutcheon, who is tied for 10th on two under after a second straight 70, with his countrymen Scott Jamieson (67), Stephen Gallacher (69) and Craig Lee (69) on one under.

Those missing the cut include Lee Westwood, on three-over-par, and Ian Poulter, who finished five shots over par after two rounds, the report added.