McIlroy in mix heading into weekend at Wentworth

-12 R Gerard (US); -10 A Scott (Aus), F Celli (Ita); -9 M Elvira (Spa), A Rai (Eng)

Selected others : -8 R Fox (NZ), R Fisher (Eng), R McIlroy (NI), I Elvira (Spa), JJ Spaun (US); -7 M Wallace (Eng); -6 S Straka (Aut), A Noren (Swe); -5 L Aberg (Swe), V Hovland (Nor); -4 D Law (Sco), R MacIntyre (Sco), S Lowry (Ire), M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -3 J Rose (Eng)

Rory McIlroy stayed in contention with a five-under 67 to sit four strokes behind second-round leader Ryan Gerard at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The Northern Irishman made three birdies in his opening five holes and recovered from dropped shots on the eighth and 16th by picking up four strokes on the back nine, including birdies on the 17th and 18th holes.

Reigning Masters champion McIlroy's hopes of winning a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title were also buoyed by the withdrawal of Patrick Reed after nine holes.

The American, who currently leads the standings on the DP World Tour, had been well placed after the first round but was forced to retire through injury while nine-over par for Friday's round.

"Unfortunately he's pulled out this week, which gives me an opportunity to try to claw back some ground that I lost last week in Ireland," said McIlroy, who is at eight under overall.

"This weekend is a big weekend for me to pick up a few points and make the race even tighter going into these last few weeks. I'm in a great spot heading into the weekend."