Appleby clear Down Under

Former champion opens up six-shot lead at wind-swept NSW

Last updated: 4th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Appleby clear Down Under

Appleby: In control

Second round leaderboard:
Aus unless stated
S Appleby -12
A Scott - 6 (after 24 holes)
S Hend -5 (26)
P Wilson -5 (18)

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Former champion Stuart Appleby made the most of an early start to hold a six-shot lead in the weather-hampered Australian Open.

High winds forced play to be suspended for five hours, leaving a number of players unable to complete or even start their rounds.

Home favourite Appleby managed just two holes at the New South Wales course before gusts of upto 40mph saw officials saw play suspended.

However the eight-time PGA Tour winner returned to the course to hole five birdies and an eagle to take control - with only a bogey blotting his copybook.

That saw Appleby, who won the 2001 title, card a six-under 66 to move to 12-under for the tournament.

"It's not easy, let me tell you," Appleby said.

Luck

"The powers that be didn't get it right. Some guys got screwed by it (the wind)... that's pretty much how the players felt about it. Luck of the draw is a saying you can use here."

Appleby holds a six-shot lead over Adam Scott, who picked up two shots in six holes before bad light eventually stopped play late on Friday.

Joint-overnight leader Scott Hend had dropped back to five-under from his eight holes - that saw him level with Peter Wilson, who was left frustrated at being unable to start his second round.

"It's nothing to do with the golf course," tournament director Trevor Herden said. "No matter where you were today you wouldn't be able to play with those wind gusts."

Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy was one of those that struggled in the wind with his round of 76 meaning he could miss the cut.

The lengthy suspension means a number of players face having to complete their second and third rounds on Saturday.