Arnaus and Varner lead Saudi International as Lowry sits inside top 25

Shane Lowry sits eight shots off the lead at the halfway stage of the Saudi International in Jeddah.

The Offaly man is two under par following a second round 70 at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club and sits in a share of 21st place going into the weekend, with Spain’s Adri Arnaus and American Harold Varner setting the pace on 10 under.

Arnaus and Varner, who both shot 66 on Friday, enjoy a two-shot lead over Cameron Smith and Matthew Wolff, while overnight leader Matteo Manassero slipped five shots off the pace after adding a 73 to his opening 62.

Defending champion Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson are six shots off the lead on four under, while former US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau withdrew before the start of round two with hand and hip injuries.

Graeme McDowell and Cormac Sharvin are well on the pace on six and nine over respectively.