Chalmers leads with McIlroy lurking, Scott revived in Sydney
Saturday, 29 November 2014 00:00
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
SYDNEY (Reuters): Australian Greg Chalmers held a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Australian Open on Friday but defending champion Rory McIlroy was well-positioned for the weekend in a share of second place.
Chalmers, twice a former winner of his national open, snared his seventh birdie on the last green for a five-under-par 66 to edge ahead of a congested leading pack at five-under for the tournament.
The 41-year-old was not getting too carried away with his early lead, however, with the world number one on his heels after a second 69 and Adam Scott having revived his tournament with a sparkling 66.
“I think it’s very early to be talking about winning given who’s right behind me and who’s playing very well,” he told reporters.
“Very early to be thinking about what’s going to happen on Sunday night.”
Northern Irishman McIlroy had an up and down round with an eagle, six birdies and six bogies for a share of second with American Conrad Schindler as well as Australians Adam Crawford and Todd Sinnott on four-under.
Overnight leader Jordan Spieth had a day to forget, bogeying two of his first four holes and finishing with a 72 to drop to a share of sixth on three-under with three others.
Scott was in a group of six players sharing ninth on two-under having soared back into contention with a blemish-free 66 that was also fired by an eagle at the 14th.
