PATRICK Reed took the halfway lead at the Masters but Rory McIlroy is perfectly placed for a big challenge over the weekend at Augusta.
The American shot a second round 66 to move to nine-under par and open up a two-shot lead over his nearest challenger, Marc Leishman of Australia, who added a 67 to his opening 70 to move to seven-under par.
Henrik Stenson sits third on five-under par after a 70, while McIlroy posted a second round 71 to his opening 69 and sits tied for fourth on four-under par alongside first round leader Jordan Spieth, who struggled to a 74
World number one Dustin Johnson (68) and US PGA champion Justin Thomas (67) moved menacingly into contention to three-under par, while Justin Rose (70), Rickie Fowler (72), Louis Oosthuizen (71) and Bubba Watson (69) were among a group on two-under par.
