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McIlroy in contention behind Willett at Irish Open (The Associated Press)

STRAFFAN, Ireland (AP) -- Rory McIlroy achieved his first aim at the Irish Open: Making the cut for the first time in four years.

The next target for the world No. 3 is clinching his first win of 2016. He'll have to reel in Masters champion Danny Willett to do so.

McIlroy shot a 2-under 70 in the second round on Friday to be one stroke behind Willett (71) and Marc Warren (66) at the K Club heading into the weekend. Willett and Warren were on 8-under 136.

''The Irish Open is one of the most important tournaments of my year and I'd dearly love to win it one day,'' McIlroy said.