Marino the early leader at British Open (1st Lead)

Turnberry, Scotland - American Steve Marino produced a 2- under par second round score of 68 to take the early clubhouse lead on day 2 of the 138th British Open as conditions deteriorated on the Scottish links course on Friday. Marino sits at the top of the standings with a score of 5-under after building on his 67 on the opening day and must now wait and see how the later starters fare in the damp and windy weather at Turnberry. 'It was kind of a wild round, I hit some really awful shots in the beginning,' said Marino, who carded three bogeys and three birdies on a difficult and wind-challenged outward nine. The 29-year-old, who was originally third reserve for the championship and only received a call-up for his first Open on Sunday, produced a steadier inward nine, only bogeying the 10th while registering a birdy on 14 and an eagle at the par-5 17. 'It was just an awesome day for me,' he concluded. England's Ross Fisher lies second in the clubhouse, two shots behind Marino, after also shooting a 68 in a round that included five birdies and three bogeys. Overnight leader Miguel Angel Jimenez was unable to replicate his opening round of 64, equalling the lowest first round in Open history, but the 45-year-old remains in contention courtesy of a 73 that included four bogeys on the opening six holes. Two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen also remained well in the frame on 3-under after the South African shot a level-par 70. Defending champion Padraig Harrington, looking to win a third successive title, looked at least likely to make the cut after finishing on 3-over after a round of 74.