World number two Rory McIlroy and his partner Shane Lowry continued their impressive performance at the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event, securing a share of the lead after Friday's alternate shot second round. The duo, who are anticipated to represent Ireland in the upcoming Paris Olympics, maintained their momentum despite challenging wind conditions at TPC Louisiana.

Alongside American pairs Davis Thompson and Andrew Novak, as well as Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard, and the Anglo-American team of Aaron Rai and David Lipsky, McIlroy and Lowry sit atop the leaderboard with a total score of 131 after the first two rounds.

Reflecting on their performance, McIlroy praised Lowry's exceptional short game, emphasizing their ability to complement each other's skill sets effectively. Meanwhile, Rai and Lipsky adopted a cautious approach in the tricky conditions, aiming to capitalize on the better ball round on Saturday to gain an advantage. Although the American pairing of Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele narrowly missed joining the leaders, their impressive display keeps them in contention, trailing by just one stroke. As the tournament progresses, the stage is set for an exciting showdown, with teams strategizing to capitalize on favorable conditions and secure a coveted victory.