Amateur Danny Lee recovered from a horror start to remain the leading New Zealand contender with a day to play at the Australian Masters golf tournament near Melbourne today.
Starting the day in a share of 11th place, Lee carded four bogeys in his first five holes toslump to mid-field before recovering to shoot a one-under 71 at the Huntingdale Golf Club.
That left the 18-year-old on five-under and a shot behind clubhouse leader Nathan Green of Australia although several leading contenders were still to complete their rounds.
The reigning US Amateur champion was flawless from the sixth hole onwards, carding birdies on the seventh, 13th, 14th and 16th along with his early shot gained at the par-three third.
United States PGA Tour player Tim Wilkinson was the biggest New Zealand mover, climbing to one shot behind Lee after following two rounds of 72 with a 68 today.
A further shot back was Steve Alker, who carded 70 to be 22nd.
Michael Long managed a 72 to be one-under while Mahal Pearce's 74 left him three-over.
