MACAO - Defending champion Scott Hend shares the halfway lead at the Macau Open as the Australian bids for back-to-back wins after his victory at the Hong Kong Open last week.
This handout photo taken and released by the Asian Tour on October 24, 2014 shows Scott Hend of Australia hitting a shot during round two of the 2014 Venetian Macau Open in Macau
Hend posted a one-under-par 70 in blustery conditions at the Macau Golf and Country Club on Friday to lie on 10-under with countryman Adam Groom who shot a sublime 67.
Four-time major winner Ernie Els struggled to another disappointing 18 to lie a massive ten shots behind the leaders going into the weekend while Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez missed a second consecutive cut.
Hend, 41, birdied his last hole, the ninth, from close range to put himself in the hunt for a seventh Asian Tour victory.
He dropped two shots over his first seven holes before clawing his way back with four birdies against another bogey.
"Today, we've seen what can happen out here. If the wind blows like this, you just try to hold on to your score," said Hend."
"Sometimes it's two and a half club difference. Even on the par fives on the back nine, with the exception of 18, it's ridiculously difficult," the Australian added.
Switzerland's Martin Rominger scored 68 and is one shot back at the US$900,000 event, which Hend won in 2013.
Leading scores after second round (par 71):
132 - Scott Hend (AUS) 62-70, Adam Groom (AUS) 65-67
133 - Martin Rominger (SUI) 65-68
134 - Anirban Lahiri (IND) 61-73
134 - Chan Shih-Chang (TPE) 70-64
136 - Pariya Junhasavasdikul (THA) 69-67
137 - Sam Brazel (AUS) 64-73, Daniel Chopra (SWE) 69-68, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 67-70, Jaakko Makitalo (FIN) 69-68