Australian Matt Jones and American Bubba Watson share a two-shot lead after the second round of the Phoenix Open on Friday.
Jones produced a second straight six-under 65 at the TPC Scottsdale in Arizona, while Watson followed up his opening 64 with a 66. The duo sit at 12 under at the halfway mark of the PGA Tour event, two shots clear of their respective countrymen. Australia's Greg Chalmers (67) and the United States' Harris English (67) sit at 10 under to be in the hunt heading into the weekend. The big-hitting Watson holed six birdies on his first 13 holes after starting on the back nine before an indifferent finish. Jones was far steadier, producing three birdies on his first four holes before a bogey at the par-four ninth slowed his momentum. The 33-year-old bounced back with a hat-trick of birdies starting at the 13th before finishing his round with another at the 18th. Japan's Hideki Matsuyama (67) is alongside Americans Pat Perez (68) and Kevin Stadler (68) in a tie for fifth at nine under. Brandt Snedeker produced the equal best round of either day so far, as seven birdies set up his seven-under 64 and lifted him into a share of eighth. Alongside him are fellow Americans William McGirt (69), Patrick Reed (67) and Scott Piercy (67). Play was suspended due to darkness for the second straight day with four players yet to complete their rounds. Spencer Levin (one under through 16) is the best of those at five under – a tie for 15th.