Rose Stumbles, But Retains Masters Lead
Saturday, April 10, 2021

    Justin Rose's possible Masters runaway after his stunning 7-under-par performance in Thursday's first round hit a detour early in round 2 when the Englishman bogeyed four holes on the front nine at Augusta National and went to No. 10 at 3 over for the day and 4 over for 27 holes.

    It brought a host of rivals back into play and jeopardized Rose's position, but he held on determinedly on the back with birdies on 13, 14 and 16 for an even-par 72, and he remained at 7 under. However, as opposed to round 1 when only three players broke 70, there were 18 in that category yesterday and Rose heads into today's play just one stroke ahead of Will Zalatoris (70-68-138) and Brian Harman (69-69-138). Marc Leishman made a big move with a 67 to tie for fourth at 5-over 139, along with Jordan Spieth, who shot 71-68-139. 

    There's a group of six tied for sixth at 4 under, including Justin Thomas (73-67), Tony Finau (74-66) and Hideki Matsuyama (69-71). 

    Missing the cut of +3 were pre-tourney favorites Matt Kuchar, Sergio Garcia and Daniel Berger at +4, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson at +5, Rory McIlroy at +6, Patrick Cantlay at +8 and Jason Day at +9. There are 53 players remaining to chase Rose on 'moving day.' 

    Gator Brian Gay missed the cut at +8 to go to the sidelines with Seminoles Koepka and Berger, leaving Gator Billy Horschel (76-71-147) by himself to try to get Tour victory No. 5 this season for the two Florida schools.

    The lone old-timer to be inside the cut line after 18 holes, Bernhard Langer, fell by the wayside with a second-round 77. But two others made the cut, Jose Maria Olazabal with 75-71-146, 2 over, and Phil Mickelson with 75-72-147, 3 over.     

    

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