English golfer Paul Casey has edged Northern Irish ace Rory McIlroy from the top of the leaderboard at the Memorial Tournament on Friday by firing a second successive 66 to lead by three shots after the second round in Ohio.
Recent European PGA winner McIlroy had led by three strokes after a first-round 63 but slipped back after double-bogeying three successive holes after which Casey took over by shooting six birdies and an eagle to pull clear of Masters champion Bubba Watson.
According to the BBC, Casey needs to win to secure automatic qualification to the US Open while McIlroy's dismal round included a double hit on 15, something he reported to a rules official and resulted in a one-stroke penalty.
Justin Rose's preparations for the defence of his US Open title at Pinehurst hit a block as he missed the cut after going round in 72 for a two-round total of one over par, the report added.
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