Nitties rides Sydney wind as Scott charges, Spieth falters

[November 18, 2016]  By Nick Mulvenney

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Local James Nitties hit a sparkling seven-under-par 65 to take a one-shot lead at the midway point of the Australian Open on Friday after Jordan Spieth charged but faltered and Adam Scott moved into contention at Royal Sydney.

Nitties eagled the par-five second, his 11th hole, and rode the gathering wind with five more birdies on the way home to storm to the top of the leaderboard at nine-under, a shot ahead of New Zealander Ryan Fox.

World number seven Scott also blitzed the back nine for a 65 and a share of fourth place on six-under, with American Spieth a further shot back in a share of ninth after a double bogey at the 15th left him with a 70.

Australia's Rhein Gibson, who owns the record for the lowest round in golf after shooting a 55 in Oklahoma in 2012, carded 66 to take third place on seven-under behind Fox, who mixed six birdies with two bogeys for a second 68.

Asia-Pacific amateur champion Curtis Luck and Lucas Herbert, who shared the overnight lead, both shot 71s to drop to fourth with fellow Australians Scott, Rod Pampling and Todd Sinnott.

Scott got an early chance to make up for his disappointing opening round of 73 but only hit his considerable stride on the back nine, where he picked up four birdies as well as an eagle courtesy of a brilliant four-iron approach shot at his 16th hole.

The former world number one was not happy with two or three short putts he missed, including a five-footer at the last, but was pleased that his poor start to the tournament had spurred him into action.

"Another day around even par and I'll probably miss the cut, so there's no option but to play well," he said.

"Spending 27 holes finding (your rhythm) costs you a lot and I think it does often to me - or has this year - where I slow start but have good weekends.

Jordan Spieth of the United States chips on the 11th hole during the single matches in 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters Picture Supplied by Action Images

"I'm very happy with 65, but I can always do better."

Spieth, Australian Open champion two years ago, started the day two shots off the pace and looked like launching an assault on the top of the leaderboard when he picked up four successive birdies from the sixth.

The birdies dried up after the world number five turned into the wind for the back nine, however, and he missed the green with his approach shot then three-putted for the double bogey at the 15th.

It was his lack of touch with the putter that bothered the twice major champion most.

"I made a six-footer today and other than that, I didn’t make anything outside three feet," the 23-year-old told reporters.

"I’ve been very much brainless putting but I’m still in contention in this tournament, so I feel like that’s dangerous from our side."

(Editing by Amlan Chakraborty)

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