Rory McIlroy surged to a record six‑shot advantage after a blistering 65 in round two at Augusta National. The 36‑year‑old opened the day with a birdie streak from the second hole, building a cushion that put him alongside Sam Burns overnight. His aggressive play has already rattled the field for the tournament weekend today.

With 12 under par after two rounds, McIlroy’s lead eclipsed Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed, while teammates Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry trailed by a single stroke. The champion’s short‑game precision, highlighted by a chip‑in on the 17th, underpins his confidence and fuels his quest for back‑to‑back Masters titles in this season.

McIlroy admits the pressure of a six‑shot cushion can be double‑edged, noting he will keep his foot on the gas while also seeking distractions. He plans to watch tennis semi‑finals and spend time with daughter Poppy, hoping the balance steadies his focus for Saturday’s final pairing with Burns at Augusta National for his championship dream.

Aiming to join Nicklaus, Faldo and Woods as the only players to defend the Masters, McIlroy recalls his 2011 lessons: avoid protection, play freely, chase birdies. The 2011 champion’s eight‑shot US Open win and eight‑shot PGA Championship victory set a precedent for dominance. Tonight’s play will decide if history repeats itself for the season today.