Furyk, Leishman share Masters lead

AUGUSTA, Georgia (AFP) –

Jim Furyk of the US plays during the second round of the 77th Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2013 in Augusta, Georgia. Australia’s Marc Leishman and Furyk took the lead of the 77th Masters in Friday’s second round after Dustin Johnson squandered a two-stroke lead.

Australia’s Marc Leishman and US veteran Jim Furyk took the lead of the 77th Masters in Friday’s second round after Dustin Johnson squandered a two-stroke lead.

Wind, morning rain and toughened pin placements baffled players at Augusta National a day after 45 players cracked the 7,435-yard layout for par 72 or better.

Furyk, who opened with a 69, birdied the par-4 fifth and par-5 eighth holes to reach five-under.

Leishman, who shared the first-round lead with Spain’s Sergio Garcia, took bogeys at the par-3 fourth and sixth but took a birdie on seven to grab a share of the lead.

Americans Fred Couples, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler shared third on four-under, one stroke ahead of England‘s Justin Rose, 2011 Masters winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and Argentina’s Angel Cabrera, the 2009 Masters winner.

World number one Tiger Woods opened with two pars and a birdie at the par-4 third.

Chinese 14-year-old schoolboy Guan Tianlang, the youngest player in Masters history, fired a 75 to stand on four-over 148 and could be the only amateur player to make the cut.