Novak Fires 61, Takes Three-Shot Mexico Lead

Andrew Novak shot a 10-under 61 Friday to reach 14-under 128 and take a three-shot lead at the halfway point of the VidantaWorld Mexico Open. He played his final six holes in 5 under, eagling the 296-yard par-4 13th after driving the green and making a 12-foot putt, then birdieing 15, 16 and 18 from 17 1/2, 16 1/2 and 21 feet. Five players tied for second at 11 under: Kihei Akina (64), Ben Griffin (67), Matthieu Pavon (66), Adrien Dumont de Chassart (67) and Kensei Hirata (68). Novak said he dug an old rusted putter from his closet after being told nothing was wrong with his putting while finishing last; he led strokes gained putting at 7.804. No factual dispute found among the sources. First-round leader Karl Vilips shot 74 to fall to 6 under. Novak entered at No. 89 in FedEx Cup Fall points, with a win projecting him to No. 53, and said much golf remains on a bunched leaderboard.