Charging Scheffler closes on British Open lead

PORTRUSH, UK: Scottie Scheffler ignited his bid for a maiden British Open title by surging to within one shot of the clubhouse lead held by 2023 champion Brian Harman and China’s Li Haotong at Royal Portrush on Friday.

The world number one brushed aside a brief heavy rain shower to pour in four birdies on the front nine of his second round and reach seven-under for the tournament.

Matthew Fitzpatrick was also four-under on the day through 11 holes and tied at the top of the leaderboard alongside Harman and China’s Li.

Home favorite Rory McIlroy carded a two-under par 69 to reach three-under for the tournament, five strokes off the pace, as he continues his bid for a second Claret Jug.

Scheffler struggled off the tee on Thursday but still carded a first-round 68 to sit one stroke off the overnight lead.

He got his second round off to a flying start with a first-hole birdie in driving rain.

The PGA Championship winner then reeled off three consecutive birdies from the fifth hole, including a 34-foot putt down the hill on the par-three sixth.

Harman, who won by six shots at Hoylake two years ago, started with consecutive birdies before another on the par-five seventh hole took him into the outright lead.

The American completed a bogey-free 65, the joint-best round of the week so far, with his sixth birdie of the day on the 18th green.

“The only thing I’m really worried about is the first tee ball tomorrow, and then I’ll try to hit the next one up there close to the flag,” said Harman.

“If not, go to the second hole. It’s a very boring approach that I take. I’m not trying to be heroic or do anything crazy.”

Li is bidding to become the first Chinese man to win a major championship and he made five birdies in a