McDowell misses cut in Portugal

Graeme McDowell struggled to a 74 in Thursday's first round

Graeme McDowell missed the halfway cut at the Portugal Masters by five shots after a one-under-par 71 on Friday.

The Portrush player, who carded four birdies and three bogeys, is one over with the projected cut at four under.

Gareth Maybin is best of the Northern Ireland contingent with his 67 putting him on eight under for two rounds which is seven shots behind the leader.

Darren Clarke had a 68 and lies just one shot behind Maybin while Rory McIlroy is on five under.

Padraig Harrington produced 10 birdies in a brilliant second-round 62 and that leaves the two-times Open winner just two shots behind leader Francesco Molinari of Italy.

The 38-year-old Dubliner even had a putt on the last to lower his all-time best round on the circuit, but on his own admission mishit it from 18 feet.

"Pity I didn't give it a better run," he said.

"I played the tough holes really well and that gave me the opportunity to shoot a really good score."