Rory McIlroy lost further ground on Australia’s Michael Wright as the Korean Open reached the halfway stage. Wright moved into the outright lead on nine under at Woo Jeung Hills Golf Club with McIlroy six adrift.

Wright shot six birdies against one bogey in his round of 66 take a two-stroke lead over South Koreans Kim Dae-hyun and Choi Joon-woo, who carded a 68 and 66 respectively.

McIlroy, making his debut appearance on the new OneAsia Tour, is six shots off the pace on three under following a 68 and is alongside Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa, who carded a 69.

Danny Lee of New Zealand is level par for the tournament alongside Bae Sang-moon after they both shot 71s.

“I was in one of the first groups out today and got into a nice comfortable groove,” said Wright. “I kept my head down and did not think about the fact I was moving up the leaderboard.

“I guess it will be a different tomorrow in the last group out with all the crowds.”

McIlroy carded five birdies, including two on the 17th and 18th, against two bogeys to keep himself in contention heading into the weekend.

“I felt much better today and was able to play some really good golf at times,” he said. “I am in the prefect position and really looking forward to the next two rounds.”