Scottie Scheffler has recorded a second-round 68 to sit in a share of the lead at the US PGA Championship.
Despite just nine players reaching the halfway stage at Oak Hill under par, the world number two was able to back up an opening 67 with another score under 70.
Although the American will be frustrated at given up the solitary lead with a bogey on the last, four birdies during Friday's play has left him level with Corey Conners and Viktor Hovland.
The Canadian and Norwegian have also produced a combination of 67 and 68 over the first two days in New York, opening up a two-shot over the chasing pack.
Bryson DeChambeau - the first-round leader - was only able to register a 71, yet still stays in contention, while world number 79 Justin Suh is the surprise name in the top five.
Brooks Koepka, England's Callum Tarren, Taylor Pendrith and Justin Rose complete the list of players under par and all within four shots of the leading trio.
Michael Block, who has spent most of his career working as a club professional, remarkably sits in a share of 10th spot courtesy of back-to-back scores of 70.
Birdie finish for @McIlroyRory to get to even and just 5 back of the lead 💪 pic.twitter.com/6KadS1cbFf
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 19, 2023
The American sits alongside world number three Rory McIlroy, whose 69 has kept him in the hunt for a fifth major, but Dustin Johnson's 74 has left him a shot further adrift.
World number one Jon Rahm recovered from a first-round 76 to make the cut with an impressive 68, putting the Spaniard in a share of 48th position.
US Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick and last week's AT&T Byron Nelson winner Jason Day are among the names to miss the cut.
Darren Plant
