Lowry with two-shot lead at The Open

Two birdies in his final three holes mean Shane Lowry has a two-shot lead after his second round at the Open Championship.

The 2019 Claret Jug winner followed yesterday’s 66 with a round of 69 today, and he sits on 7-under par.

Nearest challenger is Daniel Brown, who is 5-under with six to play.

Lowry was speaking to Sky Sports

Any lingering hopes that Rory McIlroy would make the cut look to have been snuffed out by a triple bogey at the fourth - he’s now 13-over par.

Padraig Harrington will make the cut, having reached halfway on 3-over par.

Darren Clarke is just below the cut mark at the moment on 6-over.

Galway amateur Liam Nolan finished today on 13-over.