CORK, Ireland -- Graeme McDowell birdied four of his closing eight holes to join two-time runner-up Robert Rock in the lead early on day two of the Irish Open on Friday. Both players shot 5-under-par 66 to move to 8 under for the tournament in superb scoring conditions at the Fota Island course. McDowell, looking to win the Irish Open for the first time, birdied three holes in succession from his 11th, and birdied his 15th. It was his lowest 36-hole tally on European Tour in 15 months, since he was 11 under en route to a tie for third in last years Cadillac Championship at Doral. "My game still requires some work but I feel like as I play my way into the summer, I feel my golf swing, my short game, and my putting is starting to get stronger," he said. "So I am a feel player and Im a guy that needs to spend time on the golf course with a card in his pocket to see where hes at. "And coming off last weeks U.S. Open, pressure and expectations are not as high this week, and I feel very comfortable." Rock was also feeling at home. Five years ago in Baltray, Rock lost to then-rookie Shane Lowry in a playoff. Rocks only consolation was Lowrys amateur status meant he had to forfeit the 500,000 euros first prize cheque. A year ago, Rock was joint runner-up in Dublin to fellow Englishman Paul Casey. "It is more to do with the time of year (for me), as I played well at the start of the year but then struggled, and your confidence takes a bit of a bashing. But then you work hard and I seem to start to play well again and it all turns around," he said. Italys Marco Crespi (67) and Englands Matthew Nixon (65) shared third place in the clubhouse on 7 under. Overnight leader Mikko Ilonen of Finland, who set a course record with his opening 64, teed off in the afternoon. . Irving played 10 minutes Sunday night before going to the locker room. He had two points and four assists, missing all five of his shots. The All-Star game MVP is the top scorer among Eastern Conference point guards with 21. . The Brad Jacobs team from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., advanced to Fridays championship game with a 10-6 win over Chinas Rui Liu in the semifinal.
http://www.cheapnhldevilsjerseysauthent ... ood-jersey. 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell. . -- Kyrie Irvings last-minute 3-pointer helped seal another victory for Cleveland -- and the Cavaliers longest winning streak since LeBron James left. . Thaddeus Young scored seven of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, Evan Turner added 22 points, and the 76ers hung on for their first road win since Nov. 1, beating the depleted Los Angeles Lakers 111-104 on Sunday night.Zinedine Zidane is hopeful both Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will be fit for Real Madrids Champions League semi-final second leg at home to Manchester City. Ronaldo missed the weekends La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano with a thigh injury and did not feature in the goalless semi-final first leg at the Etihad on Tuesday night, despite training the day before.Benzema, meanwhile, was withdrawn at half-time against City, leaving his participation for the return leg at the Bernabeu on May 4 in doubt. Zidanes Real Madrid side claimed a 0-0 draw against City at the Etihad on Tuesday night We hope that they can both be fit for the second leg, thats the idea, said Real head coach Zidane. But we cant say right now. We have to see. We have to take it day by day and see how they are.Cristiano felt something after that last training session. Thatss why he didnt play.dddddddddddd Karim, it was a little bit different. But at the end of the day, little by little, he felt a little bit worse in himself. We dont want to gamble with his fitness. We know how important both players are for us.Real had the better chances in a tight contest, with Benzemas replacement Jese heading against the bar in the second half and Pepe firing a close-range shot at Joe Hart. Man City also suffered an injury setback as David Silva went off late in the first half I am happy with the game, said Zidane. It was not easy but in the end, we defended really well. We had the ball more in the second half and we had more chances after the break. It was a tough game but I am happy with the result.Before this game, it was 50:50 and now its the same. We have the second leg at home, but its 50:50. We are going to have to work like we did today.It is a Champions League semi-final so nothing is easy, but I am happy with the result and the work the players did.City did not have a shot on target until injury-time when Kevin De Bruynes free-kick needed to be tipped over by Keylor Navas.Defensively, we played really well, said Zidane. We know (Sergio) Aguero is a good player so we didnt give him much space. The idea was to defend together. We managed to achieve what we wanted. Watch highlights of Real Madrids La Liga clash away to Real Sociedad on Saturday on Sky Sports 3 HD from 9.30pm. Also See: Man City 0-0 Real Madrid As it happened Real Madrid fixtures Get a ￡10 free bet! ' ' '
