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Teenager McIlroy remains in contention at halfway stage

03/10/2008

Rising star Rory McIlroy lies one stroke off the lead at the halfway stage of the Dunhill Links Championship at Carnoustie.

The 19-year-old carded 69 to lie on seven-under par, one shot behind leader Markus Brier.

He shares second place with German Martin Kaymer, and Ryder Cup team-mates Soren Hansen and Robert Karlsson.

Padraig Harrington is on six under with Lee Westwood and Michael Campbell after going round in 71.

McIlroy, who could become the fourth-youngest Tour winner, revealed Harrington gave him advice after he lost to Jean-Francois Lucquin in a play-off in last month's European Masters.

"Padraig called me over on Wednesday and said 'hard luck' and that he knew how it felt, we've all blown tournaments that we should have won," McIlroy said.

"He's been second on tour 29 times and learnt how to win. He hasn't had a second place for three years. He told me to keep getting experience, get yourself up there again and you'll win.

"The more you are there the more you will learn and you'll close it out."

Players in the Links Championship play one round at St Andrews, Carnoustie and then Kingsbarns, with those who survive the final cut playing in the final round at St Andrews.