Tiger Woods battled swirling breezes and some wayward driving to card a patient four-under-par 68 and take a three-stroke lead after the second round of the Australian Masters Friday. Woods, co-leader overnight, made two of his four birdies in his first two holes to take the outright lead, then held firm with six successive pars to finish with a 10-under total of 134 in bright sunshine at Kingston Heath Golf Club. The American's patience was in marked contrast to his nearest challengers. Australian James Nitties, who shared a one-stroke lead with Woods and South Africa's Branden Grace overnight, was first to mount a challenge, clawing within a stroke with his third birdie on the par-five 14th. He fell back, however, with two late bogeys to finish the day in second place on 137 with compatriot Greg Chalmers and American Jason Dufner, who stormed into contention with a seven-birdie 67. Australia's Adam Scott (142) failed to convert birdie chances and was eight shots behind Woods at the halfway mark, while former U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy battled to hit greens in regulation and is a further three back (145). Stuart Appleby, coming off an indifferent season on the US PGA Tour, is five behind Woods after posting a two-under 70. Former US Open champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand and Scotsman Andrew Coltart were among those who will miss the weekend's action after the cut was set at three-over-par 147. Bourdy misses out sole lead Frenchman Gregory Bourdy bogeyed the 18th to miss out on sole possession of the second-round lead at the Hong Kong Open Friday. Bourdy carded a three-under-par 67 to finish alongside China's Liang Wenchong (65), South Africa's Charl Schwartzel (66) and Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen (68) on nine-under 131 at Fanling. South African Rory Sabbatini (67) and Thailand's Chinnarat Phadungsil (66) were one shot off the pace in the $2.5 million event co-sanctioned by the European and Asian tours. Asia's first major winner, South Korea's Yang Yong-eun (67), and defending champion Lin Wen-tang of Taiwan (69) were among a group of five players on 133. Race to Dubai leader Lee Westwood returned a 70, leaving him in a tie for 34th on four under. Fellow Briton Rory McIlroy improved his hopes of overtaking Westwood after a 68 moved him to six under. McIlroy was joined on 134 by nine other players, including fellow Briton Ian Poulter (66) who won this month's Singapore Open.
