Akshay Bhatia sits six shots back of the lead after consecutive 66s over the opening 36 holes at Vidanta Vallarta

The South African rookie reached the 661-yard, par-5 12th in two shots en route to going 10 under Friday in the 2025 Mexico Open at VidantaWorld.

Germany's Stephan Jaeger fired a 64 to move into a tie for second at 12 under with Brian Campbell (65). Aaron Rai of England, the highest-ranked player in the field (No. 29), also carded a 64 to stake out fourth place at 11 under.

Aldrich Potgieter showed his ability to shoot low Friday in the Mexico Open, powering and putting his way to a 10-under 61 that gave the big-hitting South