Zurich Classic: Peter Malnati, Billy Hurley III edge into lead

Dejan Kalinic

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Zurich Classic: Peter Malnati, Billy Hurley III edge into lead image

Peter Malnati and Billy Hurley III grabbed a one-stroke lead at the weather-hit Zurich Classic of New Orleans as the second round was suspended.

Malnati and Hurley moved into 14 under at the PGA Tour team event on Friday as the tournament played catch up after inclement weather led to a long delay on the opening day.

The American duo carded a 5-under 67 in their second round — played in the foursomes format — after opening with a 63, moving into a one-shot lead before darkness saw play suspended.

Of the four pairs a shot adrift, only one – Russell Knox and Brian Stuard – have completed their second round.

Brian Gay and Rory Sabbatini were the first-round leaders after shooting an impressive 12-under 60 in the four-ball format.

They are 1 under through just four holes in their second round and are a shot behind Malnati and Hurley, while Scott Stallings and Trey Mullinax (2 under through nine) and Kevin Kisner and Scott Brown (3 under through four) are also tied for second.

Henrik Stenson and Graeme McDowell are well-placed to challenge after producing rounds of 65 and 67 to be at 12 under and tied for sixth.

Defending champions Billy Horschel and Scott Piercy enjoyed a solid start, sitting at 10 under at the halfway mark.

The teams of Jason Day/Adam Scott and Sergio Garcia/Tommy Fleetwood are a shot below the cut line — currently 8 under — but are less than halfway through their second rounds.

Dejan Kalinic