• Australian Masters, Round Two

Poulter hangs on in Melbourne

ESPN staff
December 16, 2011
Ian Poulter finished the day strongly © Getty Images
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Ian Poulter maintained his fine form at the Australian Masters as he held on at the top of the leaderboard on Friday.

The Englishman shot a two-under 69 in the second round to retain the one-stroke lead he established on the opening day. Poulter started his round in sluggish fashion before a birdie on the ninth hole thrust him back in control of the tournament.

Further birdies on the 14th, 17th and 18th holes allowed Poulter to reel in Matthew Giles, who led briefly after an early tee off. The Australian finished the day two strokes behind Poulter, while compatriot Ashley Hall remains a further shot back in third place.

Luke Donald endured another frustrating day at the Victoria Golf Club as he once again failed to take advantage of some impressive work off the tee, shooting a one-under 70 to take a share of 14th. The world No. 1 appeared to be gaining momentum after carding two consecutive birdies on the sixth and seventh holes, but a double-bogey on the par-four eighth halted his charge.

Defending champion Stuart Appleby withdrew from the event prior to the start of round two, while Italian Matteo Manaserro made up for a horror opening day by carding a four-under 67 to make the cut.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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