Australia's Lucas Herbert came within a five-foot putt of becoming the first golfer to shoot 61 in a men's major, taking a two-shot lead at the British Open with a brilliant second-round 62 that was matched by Sam Burns at Royal Birkdale.

Herbert, 30, finished on Friday with an eight-under lead and would have gone out on Saturday with big-hitting American Bryson DeChambeau, who finished on seven under after an impressive 66. Only five rounds of 62 had ever been completed at a men's major, but two arrived within minutes on a sun-baked course.

However, late drama unfolded as two-time US Open champion DeChambeau was hit with a two-shot penalty by the R&A after being adjudged to have inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing by treading down long grass. DeChambeau was seen in animated discussion with rules officials as he was driven back to the scene of the incident.

Three Americans, first-round leader Jackson Suber, Cameron Young and Ryan Gerard, were the closest challengers to Herbert on six under. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler struggled for momentum but a second successive 68 left him lurking on four under.

Northern Ireland's world number two Rory McIlroy ensured he will be around for the weekend with his three-under 67 leaving him seven shots adrift. Herbert, who plays on the LIV Golf circuit, expressed disappointment at missing the putt on the last, saying, "I felt like I kind of let everyone down."

Source: www.aljazeera.com