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Stefan Tonev
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Defending champion Scottie Scheffler leads WM Phoenix Open
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Arizona State graduate Jon Rahm is hot on his tail just two shots back

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler took the lead into the weekend in the WM Phoenix Open, with local favorite Jon Rahm right behind at TPC Scottsdale.

The second-ranked Scheffler played 25 holes Friday, completing a 3-under 68 in the first round and shooting a bogey-free 64 in the second to get to 10 under.

He had a two-stroke lead over Rahm and Adam Hadwin when play was suspended because of darkness.

“I would probably have to agree [that Rory and Rahm have separated themselves],” said Scheffler. “It’s not like I’m sitting there saying, ‘I’m playing better than those guys right now.

“They have been winning tournaments, and I’ve been kind of on the outside looking in. So no, I haven’t really been paying attention to it too much.”

Rahm, the former Arizona State star ranked No. 3, also returned early to finish the first round.

He shot 68-66 to possibly set up a Super Bowl weekend showdown with Scheffler for the No. 1 ranking.