Rory McIlroy got his putter firing in the Hong Kong Open to grab a crucial advantage in his duel with Lee Westwood to be crowned Europe's No1.

McIlroy, trailing Westwood by £40,000 in the Race to Dubai competition ahead of next week's season finale in the Gulf State, shot a 68 at Fanling to go six under par overall, two better than the Englishman.

In a repeat of yesterday, Westwood found himself baffled by the Fanling greens and was forced to settle for a level par 70 after managing just one birdie. That left the world No4 in a tie for 34th place on four under.

McIlroy is determined to make the most of his higher position following today's solid second round.

"I played really well," said the Northern Ireland golfer. "The putts just stopped dropping on the back nine. I can get myself right in it if I shoot a good front nine tomorrow. I can put pressure on the leaders with a fast start."

McIlroy is three off the pace set by Gregory Bourdy of France, China's Liang Wen-Chong, South African Charl Schwartzel and Holland's Robert-Jan Derksen.