Xander Schauffele Shines in Olympic Golf with Determined Performance

Xander Schauffele continues to impress in the men's Olympic golf competition, ending the second day as a joint leader. The American golfer shot a five-under-par 66 and remains in contention for another gold medal. Schauffele remains composed despite challenges, while competitors like Hideki Matsuyama and Tommy Fleetwood also made notable impacts.

Xander Schauffele remained in the hunt for a second successive Olympic gold as the American ended the second day of the men's golf competition as joint leader, unperturbed by a brush with an anthill. Schauffele shot a five-under-par 66 for his second round to reach 11 under, tied with overnight leader Hideki Matsuyama of Japan and Britain's Tommy Fleetwood who revived memories of his past success at Le Golf National near Paris.

Schauffele won last month's British Open to claim his second major title this year. 'If you do hit a bad shot it's easier to accept it because you know you're playing really good golf and you can make it up somewhere else,' he told reporters. Along the 13th fairway, he encountered an anthill and sought guidance from officials before hacking out on the way to a bogey. 'I've had burrowing animal issues but not like an antpile that you can't really move,' he remarked.

The 60 contenders will all play four rounds in a stroke play format at the venue that hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup. Matsuyama suffered his first dropped shots of the competition after an unblemished opening round, including a double bogey on the last hole after finding water. Nonetheless, Asia's top-ranked player remained in contention, narrowly missing out on bronze three years ago. Playing alongside Hideki, Fleetwood also dropped a shot on the 18th but posted a seven-under round that included an eagle on the third hole.

Spain's Jon Rahm, like Matsuyama a former Masters winner, was fourth on the leaderboard at nine under. Thomas Detry matched Matsuyama's opening day eight-under 63, placing the Belgian in joint fifth place. Further back, world number one Scottie Scheffler, who this year claimed his second Masters Green Jacket, was joint-10th at six under, with Rory McIlroy of Ireland another stroke back. France had a mixed day with Matthieu Pavon slipping to four over, while Victor Perez stayed within touch of the leaders at five under.

(With inputs from agencies.)