Golf-Australian Herbert moves top of Open leaderboard with birdie blitz

By Martyn Herman

SOUTHPORT, England, July 17 (Reuters) – Surprise round-one leader Jackson Suber stayed firmly in contention at the British Open on Friday as he followed up his opening-day 65 with a solid 69 to reach six under.

Australia’s Lucas Herbert moved top of the leaderboard at eight under near the end of his second round which is threatening the lowest-ever men’s major round of 62.

American Suber began on five-under after a 65 on Thursday and birdied his second hole of the day before three successive bogeys threatened to wreck his round but he recovered well.

Herbert made a scintillating start in benign conditions at Royal Birkdale, reaching the turn in 28 with six birdies, the joint lowest Open score for nine holes.

• Ideal scoring conditions at Royal Birkdale spark moves on the leaderboard on day two.

• Overnight leader Suber recovers from three successive bogeys to consolidate his challenge on his Open debut with a 69.

• Herbert flies to top of leaderboard at eight under as he takes only 28 shots for his front nine.

• England’s Matt Wallace sets the early clubhouse lead on four under after second-round 67.

• American Eric Cole sets lowest round so far with a 64.

• Former Open champion Collin Morikawa making a move to reach five under with five holes left with fellow American Patrick Reed also playing himself into contention.

• World number two Rory McIlroy level par for the tournament at the turn with expected cut at +1.

• Reigning champion Scottie Scheffler (two under) is out at 1404 GMT.

(Reporting by Martyn HermanEditing by Toby Davis)