Malnati leads, McIlroy fades

IAMI (AFP) — A stressfree Peter Malnati fired a three-under-par 68 to open a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina on Friday.

The 30-year-old journeyman – ranked a lowly 673rd in the world – followed up his opening 67 on Thursday with five birdies and two bogeys to edge clear of the field at seven under after 36 holes at the Quail Hollow Club layout.

Malnati, who is chasing only his second victory on the PGA Tour, attributed his smooth start to a more laidback approach to his game.

“Honestly, the biggest thing that’s different for me this week from the last couple of years is I’m just more relaxed,” Malnati said.

“I’m feeling good. I’m confident in what I’m doing and kind of been letting it show on the course, rather getting stressed out.”

Malnati also benefited from a nerveless putting display. Three of his birdies came after draining putts ranging nine feet to 12 feet.

Malnati will have little room for error over the weekend however, with a chasing pack including some heavyweight rivals lurking on his shoulder.

They include Australia’s former world number one Jason Day, who is one adrift of the lead on six under.

Day produced a sparkling four-under-par 67 which included three birdies and a magnificent eagle three at the par-five 10th hole, chipping in from a greenside bunker from 32 yards. A lone bogey on the 11th was the only blemish of an otherwise impressive round from the world number 14.

Day was joined on six under by American Aaron Wise, who repeated his first round 68 to claim a share of second place.

England’s Paul Casey meanwhile was two off the lead with South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel on five under.

Casey shot a three-under-par 68 including four birdies and a bogey while Schwartzel finished with a 67 following his opening 70 on Thursday.

Johnson Wagner was a shot back as the sole occupant of sixth place on four under, just ahead of seven players on three under.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy saw his chances of grabbing a third victory at Quail Hollow fade after a disastrous second round, making it a birthday to forget as he turned 29.

McIlroy had started the day firmly in the hunt after an opening 68, but the wheels came off spectacularly with a five-over-par 76.