Funk extends lead at U.S. Senior Open

DENVER (Reuters) - American Fred Funk played through neck soreness to grind out a 1-under-par 69 and open up a two-stroke lead in the second round of the U.S. Senior Open in Colorado Springs on Friday.

Funk, who held a one-shot lead after a first round 65 and started on the back nine on Friday, began feeling pain on his first hole but kickstarted his round with an eagle at the par 5 18th.

Argentina's Eduardo Romero is in second place at four under par after matching Funk's second-round score of 69. John Cook, Tom Kite and Mark McNulty are four off the pace at two under.

"On the range I felt the best I have in a year and a half, two years," Funk told reporters. "All of a sudden my neck started locking up on this left side and I really couldn't hit through the ball."

Funk received some therapy and the pain subsided.

The Broadmoor Resort course firmed up for the second round and scores soared, particularly for those playing in the afternoon.

Greg Norman shot a two over par and was not pleased with the course setup.

"I'm not going to comment on the golf course," he said. "The USGA should know better."

The day featured just four under-par rounds.

Ian Woosman set the day's pace with a two-under 68, while D A Weibring managed one-under par for a share of sixth place at even par.

Romero was surprised to shot under par.

"Well, 69 is a perfect round," Romero said. "I didn't expect to get one under today. It's two more rounds to go. I'll be there."

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Peter Rutherford)