RORY McILROY is the frame for a medal but Shane Lowry has it all do at the midway stage of the golf.
McIlroy shot a two-under-par 69 and lies joint 13th, six points behind leaders Xander Schauffele, Hideki Matsuyama, and Tommy Fleetwood.
McIlroy said: “The birdies are out there, I know that, so if I can tidy up a couple of things I can try get myself back up that leader board and in contention for a medal.”
Lowry shot a second successive level-par 71 and is tied for 41. He sighed: “I’ve probably given myself too much to do and will be playing for pride this weekend.”
HORSE FLOUNDER
Ireland finished a disappointing seventh in the team show jumping event. The trio of Shane Sweetnam, Daniel Coyle and Cian O’Connor were well placed going into the final round.
Coyle went around clear – as he had in the first round – but Sweetnan and O’Connor picked up too many faults to be in contention for a medal.
The trio will be involved in the individual event on Monday.
Ireland’s hockey team ended their Olympic involvement on a high by defeating New Zealand 2-1. Both sides had lost their first four matches to end any hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
In the men’s kayak cross time-trials Noel Hendrick was 14th overall with Liam Jegou 18th. In the women’s event Madison Corcoran came 35th.
Their placings determine their position for the heats which take place on Saturday afternoon.