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Zurich Classic set for 54-hole finish as deluge halts play again

Lahiri has seen action in spurts – he played six holes on the first day, 30 on the second, two on Saturday and another six on Sunday.

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The 33-year-old Stuard, winless on the PGA Tour, continued his steady play with two birdies.

He was three-under at the end of two rounds and needs a high finish to get into the top-50 and earn a berth into the Players Championships in two weeks’ time.

On the front nine he had another birdie and bogey to stay at even par for the round as the rain again forced the players from the course.

With no-one able to complete their third round on the final scheduled day of play and more inclement weather forecast, organisers are now hoping for a 54-hole tournament to be squeezed in before rain reappears on Monday (Tuesday AEST).

“It was just one of those days where it seemed like I was really reading the putts well, and luckily they were going in”, Stuard said.

He is one of just three players to play his first 36 holes without a bogey along with Steve Wheatcroft (-7) and Cameron Tringale (-5). Play resumed briefly on Sunday morning, but another band of severe storms descended on the course before the weekend field could finish the third round.

“I’ve just got to manage myself out there”, Day said.

Lovemark and Vegas didn’t play at all Saturday, getting some rest after a long Friday. Lovemark played 27 holes on Friday to jump into contention with a second-round 66. Kizzire (67-70) and Aiken (68-69) finished, while Bergerhad five holes left, and Rodgers 11 to play.

The tournament has been severely behind schedule since the opening round on Thursday when almost five hours of play was wiped out by thunderstorms. The Australian said the stop-and-start nature of the tournament can makes things hard, but he’s pleased with the way he’s played through two rounds.

Golf is a mental game more than it is physical, so keeping the mind sharp with strategy is going to serve Day and Leishman well.

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“Just try not to get ahead of yourself”, Stuard said.

Jason Day walks down the second fairway with his caddie