MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - Overnight leader Matthew Guyatt of Australia shot a 3-under 69 Friday to maintain his two-shot lead after the second round of the Australian Masters.
Guyatt, a regular on the Japan Challenge Tour but not well-known in his home country, was at 10-under 134 on the Kingston Heath sand-belt course in south Melbourne. Michael Hendry of New Zealand also shot a 69 and was in second place.
Adam Scott, playing in the same group as 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, had a 70 and was in third, three shots behind Guyatt.
Defending champion Ian Poulter of England shot 72 and was tied for fourth, five strokes behind.
``I've left quite a few shots out on the golf course and I'm not very happy,'' Poulter said.
McDowell shot 77 that included six bogeys and a double bogey, just making the cut at 4-over 148.
Guyatt was off the tour for five years, but returned two years ago with the financial backing of a 78-year-old friend he has not named.
``He just about fell over,'' Guyatt said when his benefactor found out that he was leading. ``I was just hoping he hadn't had a heart attack. He hadn't - he was very excited. He's had the belief since he first played with me.''
He said he would be comfortable on Saturday in the final group with Hendry.
``I actually said to my caddie it was looking like Mike Hendry might be the guy I get paired with. I said that wouldn't be bad because I've travelled a little bit on OneAsia this year with Mike and get along well with him,'' Guyatt said.
``That might be a good initiation into the final group rather than a Poulter or an Adam Scott or someone like that where the crowds are going to be heavily increased.''
Guyatt said his first two rounds have given him confidence for the weekend.
``That's the battle, I think, that players in my position face,'' Guyatt said. ``The belief that you've got enough game, the belief that you're good enough. I think I'm starting to get there.''
