Golf: Chalmers leads with McIlroy lurking, Scott revived in Sydney

By Nick Mulvenney

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australian Greg Chalmers held a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Australian Open on Friday but defending champion Rory McIlroy was well-positioned for the weekend in a share of second place.

Chalmers, twice a former winner of his national open, snared his seventh birdie on the last green for a five-under-par 66 to edge ahead of a congested leading pack at five-under for the tournament.

The 41-year-old was not getting too carried away with his early lead, however, with the world number one on his heels after a second 69 and Adam Scott having revived his tournament with a sparkling 66.

"I think it's very early to be talking about winning given who's right behind me and who's playing very well," he told reporters.