Lahiri-Sharma duo lying 29th at Zurich Class golf

Indian golfing duo of Anirban Lahiri and Shubhankar Sharma shot 67 in the best-ball and then followed it up with a three-under 69 in the alternate shot to be placed tied 29th at the USD 7.3 million Zurich Classic of New Orleans here.

Lahiri and Sharma, who are close friends despite the age difference of almost nine years, were eight-under and were provisionally tied 29th when darkness suspended second-round play in the team event.

The Indian were among the handful of players to play 36 holes on Friday as they played both their rounds on a long day TPC Louisiana.

Peter Malnati and Billy Hurley III topped the leaderboard at 14-under 130. Malnati and Hurley played 36 holes Friday, shooting a best-ball nine-under 63 in the morning in the rain-delayed first round and a 67 in alternate-shot play in the afternoon in the second round.

Play was delayed for more than seven hours Thursday, with only half of the 80 two-man teams teeing off and the Indians were among those who did not get to hit a single shot.

Lahiri gave India a good start with a birdie in the first round, and then saved a shot with a par on sixth, when Sharma bogeyed. Then it was Sharma's turn as he birdied both seventh and eighth following up on fine approach shots.

On the back nine, Lahiri once again saved a shot with a par on 10th and then Sharma birdied the 11th to get to four-under. Lahiri then had a birdie on 15th converting a 16-footer.

In all, the Indians had three birdies against one bogey on front nine. They added a fourth birdie on 18th to finish at three-under.

With 36 holes being played on second day, the greens were somewhat scruffy and it was harder to make putts.

First-round leaders Brian Gay and Rory Sabbatini were a stroke back with Russell Knox-Brian Stuard lying second at 13-under, as were Scott Stallings-Trey Mullinax but the latter had not finished their second round.

Knox and Stuard shot 62-69 in their 36-hole day.

Brian Gay and Rory Sabbatini, who opened with a first round 60 for the 18-hole lead were even through eight holes in the second round.

Major champions Henrik Stenson and Graeme McDowell were 12-under after rounds of 65 and 67 as were Russell Henley and Ryan Blaum.