Harman roars to top of Open leaderboard, McIlroy makes move

HOYLAKE, England :American Brian Harman surged to the top of the Open leaderboard with a barrage of early birdies while pre-tournament favourite Rory McIlroy began to make a move in the second round at a breezy but bright Royal Liverpool on Friday.

The 36-year-old Harman began the day one stroke behind the three-way leaders but moved three clear on eight under after birdies at the second, third, fourth and fifth holes.

It could have been even better for the left-hander as his chip from off the green at the fifth struck the flag and almost dropped in for an eagle.

The rock-steady Harman then made four successive pars to reach the turn in 31 strokes and although his hot streak cooled on the back nine he saved par with a sensational chip-in from off the green at the par-four 12th.

Harman, who was tied for sixth at St Andrews last year, remained at eight under with four holes remaining.

Of the overnight leaders on five-under after first-round 66s, Argentina's Emiliano Grillo dropped back after a double-bogey at the second and a bogey at the third.

Grillo repaired some of the damage though to get back to four under with four holes of his round left.

Local favourite Tommy Fleetwood and South African amateur Christo Lamprecht, who shared the lead with Grillo, were teeing off their second rounds later.

Australia's Min Woo Lee was one of the day's early movers as he carded a three-under 68 to reach three under.

Just as on Thursday, large galleries lined the fairways alongside the picturesque Dee Estuary, although not all of them to watch the golf as Just Stop Oil protesters briefly halted play at the 17th hole with orange flares.

Officials quickly removed the individuals with the help of American Billy Horschel.

Thousands arrived to cheer