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Justin Rose shoots even par, leads by 1

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Englishman Justin Rose is clinging to the lead at 7-under 137 heading into the final two rounds at the Masters — but just barely.

What had been a four-shot lead after the opening round was shaved to just one at the midway point of the tournament, after Rose shot even-par 72, then watched as little-known Will Zalatoris and lefty Brian Harman shot 68 and 69, respectively, to close the gap. And they weren’t the only ones to take advantage of the softer conditions under overcast skies Friday at Augusta National. The average score for the field on Day 2 was more than two strokes lower.

Jordan Spieth, the 2015 Masters winner, and Marc Leishman were another shot back at 139, with Justin Thomas clawing his way into the six-pack of players at 140 after a 67.

Late surges by Zalatoris and Harman put the pair within a shot of leader Justin Rose at the midway point of the Masters.

Zalatoris, who was playing on the Korn Ferry Tour at this time last year, birdied the last three holes Friday to post 68 and a 138 total. Harman, a left-hander who didn’t think he’d need to make his Masters plans until a month ago, booked his spot near the top of the leaderboard with a 69, thanks to birdies at the last two holes.

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