The Players: Rory McIlroy targets 'respectable finish' after final-hole birdie extends title defence at TPC Sawgrass

Rory McIlroy has set his sights on a "respectable finish" at The Players after closing his second round with a stunning final-hole birdie to move inside the projected cut at TPC Sawgrass.

McIlroy admitted to being "incredibly rusty" during his opening-round 74, having entered the week without a practice round due to a back injury, although he immediately moved forward with an opening-hole birdie at the 10th on Friday morning.

The two-time Players champion posted one birdie and one bogey during the rest of his first nine and dropped another shot at the fourth, leaving him outside the projected cut with five holes to play.

McIlroy remained on two-over until the par-five ninth - his final hole of the day - where he reached the green in two and two-putted for a birdie that closed a one-under 71 and moved him back in position to avoid an early exit.

Playing partner Xander Schauffele set the clubhouse target at 10 under after a seven-under 65, with McIlroy 11 strokes back but inside the top 65 and ties required to play two more rounds at the PGA Tour's flagship event.