England&aposs Robert Rock and American Peter Uihlein are tied in the lead on nine under after the second day of the Irish Open at Carton House. Rock&aposs position at the summit comes after an impressive second-day score of six under par, moving him up 12 places to share top spot with Uihlein, who shot five birdies and a bogey on his way to a round of four-under 68. Englishman Rock came close to winning this event four years ago only to lose in a play-off against Shane Lowry, and the 36-year-old carded four birdies and an eagle at the long fourth on Friday. He admitted afterwards that putting had been a particular focus in recent weeks and was delighted to marry an improvement in this area with some consistently strong driving. “I&aposve been putting a little bit better lately so to start the day with even a five-foot putt for a birdie was nice, and I drove it well for the rest of the round really,” Rock told the European Tour&aposs official website. Overnight leader Oscar Floren of Sweden could not replicate his first-round heroics on a day when the wind caused problems for many on the course. However, Floren still managed to finish on one under to remain in the hunt at seven under overall, with the 29-year-old tied third alongside Jose Maria Olazabal, Joost Luiten, Ricardo Santos and Lowry. Home favourite Lowry, who won the competition in 2009, dropped a place after his two-under round, but sits ahead of Raphael Jacquelin, Pablo Larrazabal and Scott Henry, who are all tied in eighth. Henry produced the best round of the day, finishing eight under with a birdie on the last to rise 95 places up the leaderboard and put himself firmly in contention going into the second half of the tournament. The tough times continued for Rory McIlroy, with the Northern Irishman missing the cut after his even-par second round meant he exited on two over. Other big names to miss the cut include Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell, both of whom finished one over for the tournament. Lowry expressed his disappointment at seeing the trio eliminated. “It&aposs that type of golf course, said the Irishman, who has two European Tour events wins to his name. It&aposs easy to go out there and shoot 75. “It&aposs tricky, especially in conditions like this, and it&aposs unfortunate to see Rory, Padraig and Graeme miss the cut, but hopefully I can give the Irish guys something to cheer about this weekend.”