Paul Casey continues to set the pace in the Heineken Classic after a five under par 67 took him to 12 under par 132 and two strokes clear of fellow Englishman David Lynn.
Casey, the 2001 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, picked up five strokes on a blustery but warm day over the Royal Melbourne course despite dropping shots on the fourth and 11th. But the 25 year old made up for it by holing the tournament’s first eagle on the ninth and five birdies.
“Today was a lot tougher than yesterday,” he said. “The two dropped shots were not unforced errors like I had yesterday and I am very happy with the way I played. There are plenty of birdie opportunities out there if you put the ball in the right places. The greens are good but it is a patience game out there. I think I have handled that well the past two days.”
Lynn emerged as his nearest challenger on ten under par after a seven under par 65 which included just the one dropped shot.
“I’m in a great position but I’ve got to keep my head down and see what happens,” said Lynn.
Australian Open champion Stephen Allan was two shots further back after a second successive 68 with another Englishman, Steve Webster, on his heels at seven under par following a round of 69.
Ryder Cup players Thomas Björn and Niclas Fasth were among the group of players on six under par that also included Italian Open champion Ian Poulter, who recovered from an opening two over par 74 with an eight under par 64, the lowest score of the second round, as he chases his fourth European Tour title.
Defending champion and pre-tournament favourite Ernie Els added a level par 72 to his opening 70 to sit on two under par, ten strokes off the lead.
