McIlroy plays through the pain

Rory McIlroy is three shots off the lead heading into the third round of the BMW SA Open after playing through the pain at Glendower Golf Club.

McIlroy dropped down the leaderboard after a bogey and a double-bogey in his first four holes but the world number two produced a brilliant recovery to put himself back in contention.

His recovery started on the eighth with an eagle and he went on to birdie six of the next seven holes to move within a shot of the lead. However, back-to-back bogeys meant he had to settle for a four-under 68 to finish the day three behind leader Graeme Storm.

However, speaking after his round McIlroy admitted he was nearly forced to withdraw from the tournament because of a back injury.

"I'm actually surprised I'm standing here, I actually thought about pulling out before even teeing off today," he said.

"I tweaked my back somehow and the first few shots today weren't very comfortable and it still isn't really comfortable. I can't really take a deep breath because I've done something to my upper back.

"I'm going to go get some treatment now. Considering that, I played well, stuck at it and hopefully I can feel better tomorrow.

"I don't want to withdraw, it would let a lot of people down so that's why I kept going today. As I said, I'm going to get some physio now and hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow.

Reflecting on his round, McIlroy said: "The middle was good. Once I got it going and saw putts going in I got some momentum which was nice.

"Disappointed to finish the way I did, I thought I hit a good shot on 17, it just pitched a bit to far. Then 18 I was probably just rushing a bit to get in before the weather.

"Overall, the start and the finish wasn't great but everything in between was pretty good and I'm still in contention heading into the weekend."

Friday's round had to be cut short due to thunder and lightening.

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