Spieth surges as Leishman, Harman lead

After a poor start to the Tournament of Champions, Jordan Spieth recovered to keep his chances of victory alive.

Published : Jan 06, 2018 09:51 IST

Jordan Spieth fired a seven-under 66 to move into the tied-13th position.
Jordan Spieth fired a seven-under 66 to move into the tied-13th position.
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Jordan Spieth fired a seven-under 66 to move into the tied-13th position.

Marc Leishman and Brian Harman share the lead after the second round of the Tournament of Champions as Jordan Spieth surged into contention.

Leishman, the overnight leader, carded a four-under 69 at Kapalua in Hawaii Friday. That was enough to keep the Australian in the lead, but he was joined by American Harman (68) at 10 under.

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson produced a five-under 68 to be outright third a shot back. But it was Spieth who charged up the leaderboard after opening with a 75.

First round report: Leishman leads as Spieth struggles at Kapalua

The three-time major champion, winner of the event in 2016, fired a seven-under 66 to move into a tie for 13th. Spieth made a mixed start to his round with three birdies and two bogeys, but the American then made his move. He birdied the eighth and made eagle at the par-five ninth after chipping in before three more birdies followed on the back nine.

Johnson looked set to be in a share of the lead overnight when he moved top of the leaderboard with a birdie at the last. However, Leishman and Harman matched that to push a shot clear of the American.

Pat Perez and Chris Stroud fired 66s to get to eight-under, alongside Jhonattan Vegas (70).

Jason Dufner (68) is outright seventh a shot further back and one ahead of Hideki Matsuyama (70), Kevin Kisner (70), Patrick Cantlay (70), Rickie Fowler (71) and Kim Si-woo (71). Spaniard Jon Rahm (70) is at five under alongside Spieth, while defending champion Justin Thomas slipped back to even par after his 75.

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