MELBOURNE — Surprise leader Matthew Guyatt was two shots in front at the halfway stage of the Australian Masters Friday but top-ranked rival Adam Scott was still within reach of winning his first title of the year at Melbourne's Kingston Heath. World No. 5 Scott lies in third after he posted a second round 70 in difficult, blustery conditions to go seven under with 137. Between the two Australians is New Zealander Michael Hendry (67-69) who lies in second by two strokes, Scott just one stroke behind him. Defending champion Ian Poulter of England was two shots further back in joint fourth, at five-under, heading into the weekend rounds. Scott said the windy conditions required conservative play, especially when the small greens became rock hard. Poulter and Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell discovered how tricky the relatively short Kingston Heath course can be in a challenging southerly wind. Poulter had a 72 to be five off the lead and was not pleased with his round. McDowell said he lost his rhythm after the first three holes and shot five-over to squeeze into the weekend right on the cut. McDowell three-putted the fourth hole, was plugged in a trap after trying to lay-up at the sixth and then three-putted seven. Donald in front In Japan, Luke Donald shot a 7-under 64 to take a four-stroke lead after the second round of the Dunlop Phoenix Friday. Donald birdied three holes on the front nine at the Phoenix Country Club and added four more after the turn to finish at 13-under 129, four strokes ahead of Japan's Shunsuke Sonada (66). Japan's Hiroyuki Fujita also shot a 66 to sit in third place, one stroke ahead of compatriot Koichiro Kawano (69). A group of four golfers, including overnight co-leader Brendan Jones of Australia (72), were tied for fifth at 5-under 137. — Agencies
