SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) Georgia graduate Jaime Lopez Rivarola of Argentina had a 3-under 68 to take a one-shot lead through 36 holes of the Latin America Amateur Championship.
Joaquin Niemann of Chile, the No. 1 amateur in the world, bounced back from an opening 74 at Prince of Wales Country Club with a 64, leaving him one shot behind in his bid to earn a spot in the Masters. Niemann ended his round by holing a bunker shot for eagle on the par-5 ninth hole.
Rivarola was at 7-under 137.
Defending champion Toto Gana of Chile had a 70 and joined Niemann in a tie for second. Alvaro Ortiz of Mexico dropped two shots over the last two holes and had to settle for a 70, leaving him three shots behind.
The 36-hole cut was at 8-over 150, with 52 players advancing to the last two rounds.
