Adam Scott two from lead in Shanghai

Matthew Fitzpatrick – Getty Images

Adam Scott is just two shots from the halfway lead at the WGC HSBC Championship in Shanghai, a second round of 69 leaving him sharing third place behind only leader Matthew Fitzpatrick and second placed Rory McIlroy.

Scott was out in even par but three birdies on the way home took him within striking distance of the lead.

Matthew Millar, who earned his place in this prestigious and lucrative event through his runner-up finish on the Australasian Tour money list last year, is, along with Cameron Smith, the next best placed Australian in 32nd place.

Jake McLeod was 42nd, Scott Hend 50th and Daniel Nisbet 77th.

Fitzpatrick leads by one over McIlroy, McIlroy’s eagle at the last today reminding all of his presence and prospects of a first win in this event.

Fitzpatrick enjoys a good record at the Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai with three top twenties in five starts.

 

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Lee and Oh close enough if good enough in Taiwan

Minjee Lee – file photo

Australians Minjee Lee and Su Oh are two and three shots respectively behind the halfway lead at the Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA event in Taipei City, both players adding second rounds of 67 to be trailing the leader, Mi Jung Hur, who leads by one over the defending champion Nelly Korda.

Lee finished runner-up in this event behind Korda last year and with consecutive rounds of 67 appears to have a found a real comfort zone at the Miramar Golf Country Club layout.

Oh began he round with a bogey but recovered quickly to turn in 34 and added three more birdies on the way home to get within three and appears a growing threat for the weekend.

Hur has consecutive rounds of 66 to her name and after sharing the first round lead she birdied five of her first six holes to establish a break.

The defending champion Korda clawed back some of the ground late win the day with consecutive birdies to finish and her chances of a successful defence appear very good.

Other Australians in the field are Katherine Kirk in 40th place and Hannah Green in 63rd position.

New Zealander Lydia Ko’s woes continue finishing the opening 36 holes in 58th place.

 

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