Japan's Hideki Matsuyama labored to a 2-over-par 72 Friday to fall six strokes off the pace after the second round of the British Open, the third major of the season.

Teeing off three strokes back, the 25-year-old world No. 2 made four birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey in wet and windy conditions at the par-70 Royal Birkdale Golf Club to close out at even-par 140 tied for 10th place.

Joint overnight leader Jordan Spieth took sole possession of first place with a 69 that put him two shots clear of fellow American Matt Kuchar at 6 under.

Matsuyama parred his first five holes and after bogeying the sixth, he hit back with two straight birdies from the seventh.

Three more dropped shots at Nos. 10, 11 and 13 pegged him back. Matsuyama then birdied the 14th and 16th before a double bogey on the 17th.

"Both the wind and the rain came and it was a taxing round," said Matsuyama. "I'm not in a bad position. I guess I did okay but at the same time feel I could have done a little better."

"I have to do better tomorrow otherwise I won't be able to get around the top of the leaderboard. My putting is improving so hopefully I can keep it up."

Matsuyama admitted he was relieved to get out of trouble from a bunker and make par on the 18th after he had two-putted for double bogey on the 17th.

"If I had made a bogey (at the 18th) I would have headed into tomorrow's round feeling really low," he said. "If I can polish up my shots and short game I think I will be able to finish (the third round) in a good position."

"A lot depends on the weather conditions but I would like to aim for around 5 under."

Matsuyama's compatriots Yuta Ikeda, Yusaku Miyazato and Hideto Tanihara all missed the cut.