Jones takes two-shot lead at US PGA

US PGA: Matt Jones takes two-shot lead after second round

Matt Jones led the US PGA Championship from fellow Australian Jason Day after the second round was completed on Saturday at Whistling Straits.

Jones, 35, took a two-shot lead in Wisconsin after finishing a round of 65, interrupted by Friday’s storm, to head into round three on 11 under par.

England’s Justin Rose returned to finish his round with a par on the 18th and stay third on eight under par.

“In any major championship that’s great after two days,” said Rose.

“I’m in a good position, obviously. Right there, eight under par.”

Making only his eighth appearance in a major, Jones sank a 15-foot putt at the par-four sixth before draining a 50-footer at the eighth on the way to a bogey-free seven-under-par 65.

That left him two shots ahead of compatriot Day, who briefly held the outright lead at 10 under before he bogeyed the par-four 18th to card a 67.

“I played great,” said Jones. “It’s amazing to be in the lead at a major.

“I’ve been in the lead on a Tour event, but a major’s a different story. I’m going to have fun with it.”

On Friday, world number two Jordan Spieth powered to six under with a 67 as he threatens his third major win of 2015, while Northern Ireland’s world number one Rory McIlroy moved to two under after a 71.

Tiger Woods missed the cut on four over, after the four-time champion began with two birdies in the first three holes but had dropped those strokes by the eighth.

The American played his last five holes on Saturday at level par.

The third round begins after a short break on Saturday, with Day and Jones teeing off in the final group.

BBC Sport