Sahith Theegala drained a 10-foot eagle putt as he and teammate Aaron Rai climbed into the top 10 with a second-round 69 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, playing in the alternate shot format.

The Indian-origin duo started strong with a birdie on the opening hole, followed by an eagle on the second and another birdie on the seventh. They dropped a shot on the fifth hole but parred the rest, including all nine holes on the back nine.

Meanwhile, Akshay Bhatia, also sponsored by Hero along with Theegala, missed the cut while partnering with Carson Young.

At the top of the leaderboard, PGA Tour rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo posted a 3-under 69 in alternate shot play to maintain their lead. The pair sits at 17-under 127 at breezy TPC Louisiana after a record-setting 58 in Thursday’s better-ball round. Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin trail by just one shot after carding a 66.

Saturday’s round will return to better-ball format, with alternate shot play resuming on Sunday.

Playing the back nine first, Salinda and Velo struggled early but bounced back with four birdies on the front nine to stay in contention.

Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, making McIlroy’s first appearance since his Masters victory, sit tied for 16th at 11 under after a 69. The Irish duo was 6 under through 12 holes but faltered late, going 3 over in their final six holes.

Danish twins Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard are third at 15 under after shooting a 70 on Friday, following their impressive 59 in the opening round.

(With IANS inputs)