McIlroy shares lead at Malaysian Open

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 15 (UPI) -- Rory McIlroy shot a bogey-free 8-under-par 64 and shares the lead after Friday's play at the European Tour's Maybank Malaysian Open.

McIlroy has the 36-hole clubhouse lead but about half the field will have to complete the second round Saturday. Play was halted for 2 1/2 hours Friday because of lightning, which led to the backup before a suspension because of darkness.

McIlroy is tied at 11-under 133 with first-round leader Alexander Noren, who shot 3-under 69 Friday, after 36 holes. Simon Dyson closed with three consecutive birdies and matched McIlroy's 64. He is at 10-under for the tournament.

Stephen Gallacher (70 Friday) and Brett Rumford (68) are tied for fourth at 7-under. Matteo Manassero and Scott Barr are among those yet to finish their second rounds and are in a group of four players at 6-under.

Noren's 69 included four birdies but also a bogey at the par-3 15th hole.

McIlroy played the back nine of the Kuala Lumpar Golf and Country Club course first Friday and had three early birdies. He added birdies at 16 and 17 and made the turn at 5-under. He pulled into a tie with Noren with birdies at 3, 5 and 8.