Pampling leads in Sydney

Rod Pampling of Australia tees off on the 12th hole during the second round of the Australian Open in Sydney, Friday. Pampling leads at eight under after Round 2. PHOTO: AP

Australian Rod Pampling had four birdies on the front nine and shot his second straight 4-under 67 yesterday to take a four-stroke lead after two rounds of the centenary Australian Open.

Pampling, winner of The International tournament this year, his first US PGA tour victory, missed just two fairways Friday and has only one bogey over two rounds on the tough par-71 The Australian course that hosted the Australian Open when it was held for the first time in 1904. Only nine golfers were under par after two rounds. The halfway cut was made at 7-over 149.

Pampling has an 8-under total of 134. Australian Kurt Barnes, the first-round leader by two shots, had a 1-over 73 Friday and is in second place at 4-under 138.

Australians Brett Rumford and 2001 champion Stuart Appleby are in third, five shots back of Pampling. Rumford and Appleby each had 70s Friday. Paul Gow and Anthony Painter, both of Australia, are tied for fifth at 2-under 140, Gow after a 69 and Painter after shooting 70.

Stephen Dodd shot a two-under-par 70 yesterday to take a three stroke lead after a frigid second round of the China Open, the opening event of the 2005 European PGA tour.

Overcoming rain, gusting winds and temperatures as low as 2? C, the Welshman carded four birdies against two bogeys, chipping in on the eighth hole and draining a 3m putt on the 15th.