MELBOURNE, Nov 25: Australia’s Robert Allenby, recovering from an inflamed right hand, has taken a four-stroke lead after shooting an even-par-72 in the second round of the Australian Open golf tournament on Friday.

Allenby, who shot a course record nine-under par 63 in the first round on Thursday, has a two-round total of 135, four shots ahead of world number eight Adam Scott, who shot a one-over 73 on Friday.

Tournament officials had to step in and water the greens after complaints from several players that the dry conditions and strong winds were making them too fast and virtually unplayable.

Australia’s Rod Pampling, who had been the early second round clubhouse leader after he shot his second successive two-under-par 70 to post a four-under 140 was in a share for third with Aaron Baddeley who shot 70, John Senden (71), Nathan Green (70) and Paul Sheehan (70).

Second round scores

135 - Robert Allenby 63-72

139 - Adam Scott 66-73

140 - Rod Pampling 70-70, Aaron Baddely 70-70, Nathan Green 70-70, John Senden 69-71, Paul Sheehan 69-71

141 - David McKenzie 74-67, Spencer Levin 64-77, Scott Laycock 65-76, Peter Senior 69-72, Chris Campbell 68-73

142 - Martin Doyle 71-71, Nick O’Hern 67-75

Chawalit surges clear

BEIJING: Chawalit Plaphol moved into position to become the third Thai to win a European Tour event when he grabbed a three-shot halfway lead in the China Open on Friday at Shenzhen Golf Club.