Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is relieved to still be in contention at the Masters, after failing to bring his "A-Game" during his second round.

Justin Rose leads the way after two rounds at Augusta National, having followed up a brilliant seven-under 65 in the opening round with a solid one-under 71 on Friday.

He holds a one-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau at the halfway stage of the tournament, with Rory McIlroy and Corey Conners both one shot further back.

Scheffler, who is targeting a third Masters title overall and looking to become the first player since Tiger Woods (in 2001 and 2002) to win back-to-back editions, is tied for fifth with three other players, three shots off the lead.

That is despite a wobble midway through his second round, with three bogeys in a five-hole stretch putting him in trouble.

But after rallying to finish with a one-under 71, Scheffler told Sky Sports Golf: "The winds were up this afternoon, which made it pretty challenging.

"I also wasn't getting the ball in play as much. I probably wasn't as sharp as [Thursday], but to get in one under was pretty good.

"Conditions were really tough. I didn't have my A-Game, but I stayed in the tournament."

Bogey, bogey ... chip-in birdie!

What a shot from Scottie Scheffler!!pic.twitter.com/TR7lki3Khe

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 11, 2025

Scheffler needed an escape act on the par-three 12th, as his approach shot sailed beyond the hole and onto a slope with plants overhanging, but a delightful chip-in gave him an improbable birdie.

Further birdies on the 14th and 17th followed, though the world number one did bogey the par-three 16th.

"When you're playing for the wind - and it turns around and goes straight down - it's very challenging," Scheffler added. 

"I was fortunate to see the ball come out of the bushes there, and was able to take advantage of the break."

Scheffler could become just the ninth player to win three or more green jackets, after Jack Nicklaus (six), Woods (five), Phil Mickelson, Nick Faldo, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead and Jimmy Demaret (all three).