Rory McIlroy took advantage of easier scoring conditions on Saturday to complete a fabulous second round 63 and leap into contention at the Genesis Open at Riviera.

The Northern Irishman had six holes of his second round to play - and birdied four of them to move within four strokes of playing partner Justin Thomas, who shot 65 to share the halfway lead on 11 under with Australian Adam Scott.

For the third member of the group, however, the Riviera riddle goes on for Tiger Woods. 

The biggest event in the game that he has never won, he holed from 35ft at his last hole to make the halfway cut after rounds of 70,71. 

Paul Casey, who finished runner-up to Phil Mickelson last week, continued his good form with a 66 to be five adrift.

The difference for McIlroy was on the greens, as he holed three long birdie putts. 'I'm really happy with that, it's put me back in the hunt,' he said.