Unheralded Queenslander Michael Wright yesterday broke clear of a logjam atop the Australian Masters leaderboard to take a two-shot lead after the second round, while double defending champion Adam Scott battled hard to keep in touch.
Scott shot a four-under 68 on a glorious afternoon at Melbourne’s Metropolitan Golf Club, but the world No. 2 remained six strokes off the pace and behind a lengthy list of local tour grafters.
Wright, who is ranked 771, was candid about his long battle to control nerves after his opening 67 on Thursday.
“I felt very comfortable out there today. I’m looking forward to trying to feel comfortable over the next couple of days,” said Wright, who bogeyed his first hole of the tournament, but has not dropped a shot since.
Wright said he would try not to look over his shoulder over the weekend, with Scott expected to push hard.
Scott roared up the leaderboard early and was five-under for the day after 10 holes, but the magic deserted his putter thereafter and a bogey on the par-four 16th further applied the brakes.
“The course was really there to be had and I got off to a nice start through 10 holes and I was feeling really good, but unfortunately it slowed up on the back nine and a couple of random wedge shots cost me dearly,” said Scott, who is bidding for a record third straight Australian Masters title.
“I’m within shouting distance, at least. Thirty-six holes, there’s a lot of golf to be played, and if I play a good 36 I think I can be in with a chance,” he said.
Wright held a two-shot lead over South Australian Paul Spargo (67), with local amateur Todd Sinnott and Richard Green a further shot back.
Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy remains in striking distance, five shots off the pace after carding a 71, with American Boo Weekley nine shots adrift after a second round of even-par.
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Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter is being criminally investigated by the IRS, and the attorney for his alleged bookmaker said Thursday that the ex-Los Angeles Dodgers employee placed bets on international soccer — but not baseball. The IRS confirmed Thursday that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, the alleged illegal bookmaker, are under criminal investigation through the agency’s Los Angeles Field Office. IRS Criminal Investigation spokesperson Scott Villiard said he could not provide additional details. Mizuhara, 39, was fired by the Dodgers on Wednesday following reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN about his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker and debts well
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