SOUTHPORT, England (AP) LEADING: Jordan Spieth, who added a 69 to his opening round 65 and was at 6-under-134.
JUST BEHIND: Matt Kuchar was two shots back after shooting 71, while Ian Poulter and Brooks Koepka were another shot behind.
RAINY DAY: Heavy rain that came in the afternoon forced a brief suspension of play because of water pooling on the greens.
RORY'S DAY: Rory McIlroy shot a 2-under-68 to get under par for the tournament and within five of the lead. Just as important, there are only five players between the former No. 1 and the lead.
SHOT OF THE DAY: Spieth's chip in from behind the green on No. 10 to save par.
MISSING OUT: Among those missing the cut were former champions Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington.
NOTEWORTHY: There were no birdies all day on the 499-yard par-4 13th hole. The hole played to a 4.7 average, with 19 double bogeys or worse.
QUOTEWORTHY: ''Obviously, I'm not happy about it because I almost screwed up my British Open.'' - Masters champion Sergio Garcia, who hurt himself hitting a bush in anger.
TELEVISION: Saturday, Saturday, 4:30-7 a.m. (Golf Channel), 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (NBC)
