Rory McIlroy says what he noticed happening with his driver mid-way through day two of the DP World Tour Championship

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Rory McIlroy is still in contention at the DP World Tour Championship despite only carding a three under 69 during the second round.

McIlroy started the day sharing the lead with Tyrrell Hatton but ran into trouble around the turn, dropping shots on holes eight and ten.

Hatton also fired a 69 and is once again level with the Northern Irishman in a tie for second.

Frenchman Antoine Rozner is the surprise leader on nine under after shooting an impressive 65 at the Earth Course on Friday.

Rory McIlroy details driver issues

• READ MORE: Tyrrell Hatton fumes at ‘ridiculous’ hole at the DP World Tour Championship which he ‘despises’

McIlroy made swing changes before the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, and the 35-year-old’s alterations appeared to pay off. Two errors eventually cost the Northern Irishman at Yas Links.

McIlroy, however, saw some of his drives go left during the middle part of his second round at the DP World Tour Championship.

“My comfort level around this place has always been there ever since the first time we played in 2009. But the course is set up differently. I need to do a better job of hitting the fairways,” McIlroy explained during his post-tournament press conference.

“I did for the first few holes, and then I let it slip a bit. I started to miss the driver a bit, left in the middle of the round, and tried to straighten that out.

“If I can hit fairways out here, then the greens will be very receptive. I am comfortable around this place and have had success before so I am liking my chances going into the weekend.”

Rory McIlroy’s concentration must improve

Paul McGinley believes McIlroy’s concentration could improve, and the four-time major winner must fine-tune his play during the pressurised moments.

Hopefully, with McIlroy’s swing chances now in place, the Northern Irishman will be able to trust his technique when he really needs it in 2025.

With the PGA Championship returning to Quail Hollow, there’s a golden chance for McIlroy to end his wait for major number five at a course he absolutely loves.

Between now and the Masters, the Northern Irishman must ensure his swing changes feel natural and able to withstand the back pressures of tournament golf.

With McIlroy once again in contention in the UAE, Sunday could once again see the Northern Irishman’s technical and mental capacity pushed to the limit.