Lytham Trophy: Kinhult battles conditions to lead by five

LYTHAM SAINT ANNES, England — Tough playing conditions met Lytham Trophy contestants on day two as cold temperatures, high winds, and rain were present for the tournament's second round. One of four first round leaders, junior golfer Marcus Kinhult of Sweden, posted his second straight round in the 60s to break away from the pack and take a five-shot lead into the third and fourth rounds. Kinhult is fresh off his victory in the United States at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley. After opening with 68, Kinhult carded 69 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes while the three other first-round co-leaders shot 74 or over. Cormac Sharvin, of Northern Ireland, was the second best of the group, shooting 74 to sit in solo second place. Richard James and Oliver James Farrell are tied for third place at four-over 144. Notable players in the field include Scotland's Bradley Neil, the reigning British Amateur champion and 2015 Masters participant. He posted 71-76 in his first two rounds and is tied for tenth along with Ireland's Gary Hurley. Neil described the conditions on Saturday at Royal Lytham as "brutal." Winds blew between 15-25 miles per hour, with rain persisting throughout the day and temperatures refusing to climb over 50 degrees. The cut fell at 11-over, with 50 players sitting at the number or below. Rounds three and four will be contested on Sunday, with Walker Cup decisions on the line on England's west coast.