MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Defending champion Adam Scott took a share of the second-round lead at the Australian Masters, with birdies on his first three holes Friday and two of his final four giving him a round of 5-under-par 66 at Royal Melbourne.
Scott, winner of this year's U.S. Masters and last week's Australian PGA, had a two-round total of 9-under 133, level with fellow Australian Nathan Holman, who shot 65 on Friday.
They had a one-stroke lead over Australians Matthew Griffin (65) and first-round leader Nick Cullen (69). American Matt Kuchar (66) was four strokes behind the leading pair and in fifth place while Vijay Singh was seven strokes behind after a 68.
"It was a great start but unfortunately I couldn't keep it going," Scott said. "I'm in good shape for the weekend but this course can jump up and get you."
Leukemia survivor Jarrod Lyle shot an even-par round of 71 to make the 36-hole cut in his first tournament in 20 months. He's at 1-over par, 10 strokes behind Scott and Holman.