Justin Thomas and Adam Scott lead Genesis Open

Justin Thomas and Adam Scott shot matching scores for a second day running to gain a one-stroke advantage over J B Holmes in the Genesis Open

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Justin Thomas at the Genesis Open

17 February 2019: Ben Everill, PGATOUR.COM

Justin Thomas and Adam Scott share the lead and tournament host Tiger Woods has survived to play the final two rounds after the 36-hole cut has finally come at the Genesis Open late Saturday afternoon. Anirban Lahiri made an early exit after a disappointing run in the first two rounds. The Indian made scores of 76 and 75 for a 36-hole total of nine-over 151.

Following Thursday’s lengthy rain delay, the second round wound up just before 3:00 p.m. local time Saturday at Riviera Country Club with players immediately sent back out to begin the third round.

Former FedExCup champion Thomas and 2005 Genesis Open winner Scott both posted rounds of 66-65 to stand at 11 under and atop the leaderboard.

J.B. Holmes (63-69) is third at 10 under and will join the leaders in the final threesome.

Woods shot 70-71 to sit at one under for the week. The 80-time PGA TOUR winner is in a tie for 52nd and 10 shots back heading into the third round.

It continued a trend at Riviera for Woods, although making the cut was better than a year ago when he was sent home early.

Woods’ biggest problem over his two rounds was certainly his putting. In the first round he needed 34 putts and ranked 134th in the field in Strokes Gained: Putting with four three-putts.

In Round 2 it improved, he needed seven fewer putts, but the 43-year-old still craved more improvement.

“I am not seeing the line, I’m not feeling comfortable because I’m not seeing the line,” Woods explained.

“Consequently, I’m having a hard time starting my ball online because I have a hard time seeing it. Hopefully I can find it here in the last couple rounds. Can’t get any worse than it was the first day; four three?putts is as bad as a human being can putt.”

With the lead threesome not expected on the course until close to sunset, a marathon Sunday will be required to finish the tournament in regulation time.

“It’s going to be 30 something holes on Sunday, so it’s a big day tomorrow,” Scott said.

“That can really work in your favor if you’re playing well. You want to be out there and play as many as you can while you’re hot.

“If we have a nice day like this, it will be far more pleasant spending the day on the golf course.”