US rookies lead PGA pairs event with Mcllroy and Lowry in hunt

US rookies Kevin Velo and Isaiah Salinda grabbed a one-stroke lead after Friday's alternate-shot second round of the PGA Zurich Classic while defending champions Rory Mcllroy and Shane Lowry charged into contention.

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Velo and Salinda, each seeking his first PGA Tour title, combined to fire a three-under par 69 to stand on 17-under 127 after 36 holes in the pairs event at TPC of Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana.

“Overall really solid. We played really to our strengths today,’ Velo said. “We played pretty flawless. We feed off each other really easily.”

Americans Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak, also chasing their first PGA wins, combined for a 66 with birdies on three of their final five holes to stand second on 128, one stroke ahead of Danish twins Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard.