Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Schauffele sets Olympic Record for low first 36 holes to take the lead at Kasumigaseki as weather intervenes again

Xander Schauffele shot a stunning back nine of 30 on Friday to surge through the field and take the lead midway through the Men's Individual Strokeplay. The American has past form for winning limited field, no-cut events at the Tour Championship, Sentry Tournament of Champions and WGC-HSBC Champions.

SAITAMA, JAPAN - JULY 26: Xander Schauffele practices prior to the Men’s Individual Stroke Play event on Day 6 of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at the Kasumigaseki Country Club on July 26, 2021 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR/IGF)

He leads by 1 from Mexican Carlos Ortiz, with Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, Chile's Mito Pereira, Sweden's Alex Noren and Austria's Sepp Straka 3 behind at 8-under-par.

A shot further back are Ireland's favourite sons Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry.

Great Britain's Paul Casey is also at 7-under with compatriot Tommy Fleetwood 8 off the lead at -3.

Play was halted for the second time this week with another 2 hour 20 minute delay due to thunderstorms, and the glorious evening light was disrupted again late on Friday, meaning round two will be completed on Saturday morning.

Play will resume at 0745 JST, 2345 BST and the third round will see the field of 60 drawn into groups of 3 playing off the first and tenth tees.

Live coverage is on GOLFTV Eurosport 3 and discovery+.

SHANK, by Matt Hooper