Rory McIlroy’s charge through the back nine saw him escape the threat of missing the cut.

Four birdies in five holes on the back nine helped last week’s Irish Open champion reach the halfway stage at three under par.

The world number two arrived in Surrey fresh from winning his home open with a thrilling play-off victory over Joakim Lagergren at the K Club.

Rory McIlroy will play the first two days at Wentworth alongside Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm, while Tommy Fleetwood will be with Justin Rose.

McIlroy was a shot behind clubhouse leader Niklas Norgaard.