Rory McIlroy is back in contention at the Masters after a 'foolish' decision somehow yielded an eagle on the 13th. After his disastrous first round finish on Friday, the world No.2 started the day level par and eight shots off leader Justin Rose.

He made progress through the first 12 holes though, picking up three birdies to get back in contention. However, that good work was seemingly undone on the par-five 13th when his wild drive veered off to the right and landed amongst the pinecones. Due to his lie, commentators dismissed the chances of him trying to approach the green with his approach.

On the contrary, the 35-year-old produced what appeared a miraculous shot. His ball flew out of the trees and landed on the right hand side of the green before settling within feet of the flag.

Sky Sports pundit Paul McGinley questioned whether the shot was intentional though, saying: "Was that brilliant, or was that foolish? He certainly wasn't taking it on that line."

"Was it a push?" asked Andrew Coltart. McGinley replied: "Yeah, it certainly was a push. But to come from that distance and to try and take on that green, especially on that loose footing.....well, what a chance he's got for eagle now."

McIlroy's reaction seemingly confirmed what his compatriot suspected. He looked relieved as he bent over and smiled but didn't waste his good fortune as he sank his eagle putt to move five under par.

The magic didn't end there, though. On the 14th, McIlroy again found big trouble off the tee, his ball disappearing into the trees and leaving him with another difficult rescue shot off the pinecones.

Again, he defied the situation by firing his ball through a gap and onto the green. He duly went on to save his par and stay within three of the lead, with his bid for a maiden green jacket seemingly revived.