McIlroy and Khan look beyond fog and eye US PGA glory

British duo Rory McIlroy and Simon Khan made their moves at the US PGA Championship, ending the second round three shots behind leader Matt Kuchar.

Now 50/1 to win, Khan had to cram 29 holes into a day that began with another long fog delay, so mental fatigue may well have contributed to a disappointing finish on the demanding Whistling Straits course.

It handed current 4/1 favourite Matt Kuchar a one-stroke overnight advantage over fellow American Nick Watney – and lifted 21-year-old Ulsterman McIlroy up into a tie for third along with a group including Khan on five under par, three behind.

As for Tiger Woods (14/1 to win), he had to wait until nearly 6pm to get back on the course and after five opening pars – many of them hard work – remained one under.

McIlroy, 6/1 to win, had been three over par after four holes of his first round on Thursday, but he battled back for an opening 71 and then added a 68.

Compatriot Graeme McDowell managed only a three over aggregate – 76 and 71 were his rounds – and his hopes of qualifying for the final two rounds were hanging by a thread.

For Justin Rose it looked even worse. Two 74s meant a four over total and, since he is not going back to Europe the next two weeks, it appears virtually certain he will now need one of Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie’s three wild cards.

Phil Mickelson (25/1) was in on two under after a 69, while among those on level par was Steve Stricker, who also came into the week with a chance of unseating Woods as world number one.

Kuchar is currently seventh in the American cup standings – and, unlike the Europeans, this is their final counting event. Who do you think will win? See the full US PGA Championship Betting Odds market.