American Brandt Snedeker fired a second-round 64 to take the lead after the second round of the Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
Brandt Snedeker: Clubhouse leader
Snedeker took advantage of the lack of wind and the damp course to enter the clubhouse at 10-under, eight shots ahead of world number one Luke Donald and 12 in front of Rory McIlroy, who flirted with the cur for much of the round.
McIlroy, the world number two, had an eventful opening nine which included a tee-shot that hit Toshinori Muto's caddie, a double-bogey as well as a couple of birdies and bogeys. His iron work was inconsistent throughout the day and battled with shots from the bunkers - a recipe for disaster one a course with 206 of them.
Donald followed up his first round 70 with a solid 68 and was flawless on the opening nine. Bogeys on the 10th and 13th ruined his round somewhat, but the Brit sank another birdie putt on the 15th and closed with three pars to end on 138 after two rounds.
With most other players struggling to take advantage of the friendly conditions, Snedeker was in terrific form. His approach shots found their mark on every hole until the 15th, where he made par despite facing a third shot from the thick rough.
The American had never previously made the cut at the Open Championship, but after firing six birdies on Friday, he is in a formidable position at the half way stage.
"I really love playing golf over here," Snedeker said, "even though my record is not very good at all."
Only two players are within five strokes of Snedeker - overnight leader Adam Scott fired a second round 67 to enter the clubhouse one stroke behind Snedeker.
The other is Tiger Woods, who shot a second 67 - including a chip-in birdie on the final hole to end the round on six under - four strokes behind the leader.
More top players sit two shots further back, in a tie for fourth - Jason Dufner (66), Matt Kuchar (67), Graeme McDowell (69) and Paul Lawrie (71) all finished on four under.
The 36-hole cut fell at three-over 143. The 62-year-old Tom Watson made the cut on the number, as did Lee Westwood, Rickie Fowler and Keegan Bradley. Four-time major champion Phil Mickelson was not so lucky, missing the cut after a second round 78.
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