American John Merrick, bidding for his maiden PGA Tour golf title, shrugged off gusting winds to maintain his one-shot lead in the Mayakoba Classic second round while New Zealand's Tim Wilkinson, ninth previously, fell away.
A stroke in front of the chasing pack overnight, the 25-year-old Merrick fired
a flawless two-under-par 68 on the El Camaleon course at the resort of Playa del Carmen, on the Riviera Maya.
That left him at 8-under 132, one ahead of second-placed American Brian Gay, who carded a 67. PGA Tour rookie David Lutterus of Australia was a further stroke back after shooting a 69 with American Steve Marino alone in fourth at four under, also after a 69.
Wilkinson dropped from ninth after the first round to 50th on three-over after a six-over 76 today which featured two double-bogeys. Compatriot Phil Tataurangi was two shots further back after carding 73 today, missing the cut by a shot.
Merrick, competing in his fifth Tour event of the season, was delighted with his display.
"I'm just hitting well and putting it well right now," he said. "I didn't get in too much trouble today and, when I missed a green, I chipped it pretty close. It blew a little harder today but I felt great about the way I played. I missed a lot of birdie putts from 8 to 15 feet.
"This is the reason why you play and you practise - to get the lead. I haven't had the lead that many times in my career so it's a great learning experience for me."
Nick Price of Zimbabwe returned a 68 to end the day six strokes off the pace, one ahead of double major winner John Daly (73). The cut fell at four-over 144, with 75 players qualifying for the weekend. Among those missing out was course designer and former world No 1 Greg Norman.
- REUTERS
