The stage is set for a terrific climax to the Open Championship at Royal St George's - but England's Ryder Cup stars Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter will not be involved after failing to make the cut.US Open champion Rory McIlroy ensured he will be at the heart of the action, though, after a second day that lacked the drama of the opening round.
The pre-tournament favourite from Northern Ireland was not at his best, but still battled his way to a round of 69 to lie four shots off the lead.
Now McIlroy will have to find more consistent form over two days when the Sandwich weather is expected to be significantly worse.
He said:"I'm very happy with my position and the fact I'm within striking distance of the leaders.
"Even though it was sunny and it looked nice out there, it was very tricky. The course is playing a lot firmer with a lot of crosswinds, and I'm very pleased to shoot something in the 60's."
McIlroy was overshadowed by his friend Darren Clarke, who carded a fine 68 and shares the lead on four-under with American Lucas Glover in a logjam at the top, where more than 30 players are separated by only four shots.
Miguel Angel Jimenez, three-under after a round of 71, is a major threat because he believes he can cope if the weather turns nasty.
The Spaniard said:"I made some good recoveries and one over par was not a bad score out there. One shot behind the leader with 36 holes is a good position."
Jimenez was joined on 137 by Chad Campbell, Martin Kaymer and Thomas Bjorn, while others making significant progress on the second day were Tom Lehman and Charl Schwartzel, who posted excellent rounds of 67, and Anders Hansen.
Graeme McDowell, last year's US Open champion was another of the big names who missed the cut. "It seems to be a bad habit that I'm getting into," said McDowell, who failed to take advantage of relatively benign conditions early in the day.
"I couldn't really put my finger on anything that was really bad today. I just drove it average, hit my irons average, everything was average.
"My attitude has been pretty average the last two days as well. I just do not have a lot of belief in myself at the moment. It's just a bit of a confidence issue.
"I just can't seem to string four rounds together and this week I couldn't even string two together."
"I was frustrated and disappointed. I guess those are the two words that are creeping into my game at the moment.
"I don't have any patience in myself. Maybe I'm expecting a bit too much of myself."
Ernie Els, Brandt Snedeker, Robert Karlsson, Ben Curtis, Matt Kuchar and Padraig Harrington were among those who also headed home early after two disappointing days.
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