Romero Now In Solo First in Puerto Rico


Argentina's Andres Romero shot his second straight 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead in the Puerto Rico Open. The $3.5 million event began Thursday at Trump International Golf Club - Puerto Rico.

The 32-year-old carded nine birdies Friday, with his only scorecard blip a double-bogey on the par-3 eighth hole. Romero stands at 14-under 130, one shot ahead of Scott Brown (63) and two in front of Peter Uihlein (65) and Steve LeBrun (65).

Alone in fifth is Argentine Fabian Gomez (64), and five behind Romero in a tie for sixth are Matt Bettencourt (67), defending champion George McNeill (64), Jon Curran (69), Dicky Pride (67), Canada's David Hearn (67), Angel Cabrera (68), Jordan Spieth (66), first-round co-leader Cameron Percy (70) of Australia, and Morgan Hoffman (68).

Both Uihlein and Spieth had storied careers before turning pro. Uihlein, the 2011 U.S. Amateur champion, has devoted his energies since turning pro to the European Tour. But this week he's in Puerto Rico while the European Tour is idle due to the World Golf Championships event at Doral.

Spieth - a two-time U.S. Junior Amateur champion from Dallas who turned pro in December - posted six birdies Friday.

The cut line was set at 3-under 141. Among those heading home is former major winner David Duval, who opened with a 70 but shot a 74 Friday.

After 17-year-old Si-woo Kim of South Korean withdrew following his opening 79, Kevin Na, Jeff Overton and Eric Axley pulled out before the start of the second round.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/puerto-rico-open-presented-by-seepuertorico-com/leaderboard.html.