The view from the top changed dramatically after round 2 of the $7.3 million Mexico Open, with only Jon Rahm able to continue his exceptional play, while the other five top Thursday challengers felt the heat and dropped to various levels behind the heavily-favored Spaniard.

    Rahm added a 5-under-par 66 to his opening 64 and at 12-under 140 holds a two-stroke lead over Alex Smalley, who wasn't involved in the six-way tie Thursday. Smalley shot a pair of 66s and is alone in second at 10 under, followed by a group of six at 9 under. They include newcomer Patrick Reed, and Trey Mullinax, only one of the five who remained close after a Friday 69. 

    Of the others, Brendan Todd dropped into a tie for 37th after a second-round 74, same as Bryson Nimmer, while Kurt Kitayama added a 70 and is at 8 under and tied for ninth, along with Jonathan Byrd. 

    Seminole Hank Lebioda easily made the cut (-2) with a pair of 67s for 134, 8 under, but Chase Sieffert didn't with 67-76-143. Both Gators headed home - Matt Every with 74-69-143 and Camilo Villegas with 69-75-144. There are 17 players who snuck in right on the cut line of 140.    

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