Jason Day and Phil Mickelson both battled hard to stay in the hunt at the US Open, firstly trying to duck under the cut mark to make it into the final two rounds.
In a tournament thrown out of kilter by violent Thursday thunderstorms at Oakmont, both came back out to conclude their second rounds early in the day.
They would have to wait though to know for sure if they were safe as half the field had yet to complete their second 18 and playing conditions were as good as they have been all week.
World number one Day, looking to add to the PGA Championship he won last year, parred his way in for an encouraging 69 that left him at five-over par.
“I'm hoping that it gets really hot today and starts baking everything out. And then hopefully play is hard for everyone and hopefully I can claw my way back into this tournament,” the Australian said.
Mickelson, a five-time major winner, seeking to become just the sixth player to have won all four Grand Slam titles after a record six runner-up finishes at the US Open, had to settle for a 73 that put him smack on the early projected cut mark of seven-over.
“Hopefully, I'll make the cut. I believe that I will,” 46-year-old Mickelson said.
“If so and I have an opportunity, you just never know on this golf course. We've seen low scores. I don't feel like I have to search for anything on the range. I feel like my game is there, but my scoring hasn't been what I want the first two days.”
The clubhouse lead was held by big-hitting American Dustin Johnson who added a 69 late Friday to an opener of 67 to stand at four under.
Two strokes further back were American Scott Piercy and Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who both had 70s.
Three players were grouped at one under - Daniel Summerhays, who carded an impressive 65 late Friday, plus England's Andy Sullivan and US veteran Jim Furyk, who both signed for 68s.
Among those heading out to play their second rounds, having had a day of rest were first-round leader Andrew Landry, who opened with a 66, English veteran Lee Westwood (67) and Irishman Shane Lowry (68).
Landry, the world number 624, started with four straight pars to stay level with Johnson.
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy had work to do after a slipshod opening 77, while defending champion Jordan Spieth had a chance to edge up back to the par mark, which he believes could win the tournament, after starting with a 72.
Once the second wave of second rounders have finished, all those that make the cut will proceed to the third round with the aim of finally catching up with the schedule by the end of the day. – AFP