Uihlein and Otaegui share lead in Paris

Peter Uihlein drew inspiration from the US Open victory of former roommate Brooks Koepka to claim a share of the lead in the weather-affected HNA Open de France in Paris.

Uihlein, who shared an apartment with fellow American Koepka in his first few years as a professional, carded a second consecutive 67 at Le Golf National to join Spain’s Adrian Otaegui at the top of the leaderboard on eight under par.

Otaegui had set the early clubhouse target following a superb 66, before an afternoon thunderstorm led to a delay of two hours and five minutes.

After going to the turn in 34, a hat-trick of birdies from the 13th took Uihlein into the outright lead, only for the 27-year-old to card his only bogey of the first two days on the 17th.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who was fourth behind Koepka at Erin Hills, shares third place with Sweden’s Alexander Bjork after completing a 68 following the weather delay.

First-round leader Paul Waring could only add a 72 to his opening 64 to finish six under par alongside compatriot Nathan Kimsey, with Graeme Storm, Ross Fisher and Ryder Cup star Thomas Pieters a shot further back.

David Drysdale was the only Scot to make the cut after a 69 left him three under par.

Russell Knox bowed out on four over after a 74, Stephen Gallacher, Richie Ramsay and Duncan Stewart were all five over, Scott Jamieson was one behind that mark and Marc Warren had a 79 yesterday to finish at 14 over.

Peter Uihlein: bogeyed the 17th to drop back into a share of the lead.