Aberg paces US Open; McIlroy drops to fifth

MANILA, Philippines — Sweden’s Ludwig Aberg grinded his way to a one-stroke lead after Friday’s second round of the US Open while top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and other favorites struggled at punishing Pinehurst.

Sixth-ranked Aberg, a runner-up at April’s Masters in his major debut, fired a one-under par 69 to finish 36 holes on five-under 135.

“I hit it very nicely,” Aberg said. He had been sharing the lead with France’s Matthieu Pavon, but the back-nine starter closed his round with bogeys at eight and the par-3 ninth to shoot 70 and share fifth.

One adrift in second were 2020 US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau, fellow American Patrick Cantlay and Belgium’s Thomas Detry.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, seeking his first major in 10 years, shot 72 to share fifth with American Tony Finau and Pavon on 137. Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, was eighth on 138 after a 66.