Scott Arnold Photo: PGA of Australia
A second straight round of six under par has thrust Australian golfer Scott Arnold into the lead at the halfway stage of Papua New Guinea Open.
The New South Welshman is 12 under the card after two rounds at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, one shot clear of PNG amateur Brian Taikiri.
"It was the same again as yesterday really, I started off really good on the front nine again," said Arnold, who made the turn at five under par following an eagle on the ninth hole", he said.
"I made a couple of bad swings at the start of the back nine and was just steady really. I wasn't hitting it close enough like I was on the front nine so I was happy to get away with shooting one under on the back."
Brian Taikiri was unable to repeat his first round heroics but remains well placed in outright second position at 11 under par after carding a two under par 70.
It's the first time he's made the cut at his home event.
"I feel pretty good, I fought back after my start of two bogeys on the first two holes," he said.
"Having that fighting spirit, I always know I can come back on the front nine."
Australian Tim Stewart is tied for third at nine par, with first round co-leader Dale Brandt-Richards and Brody Martin rounding out the top five at seven under.
Defending champions Cory Crawford is one of 11 players tied for 27th place at one under par, alongside Fiji professional Sam Lee.
While PNG amateurs Morgan Annato (+1) and George Danny (+3) also made the cut and will feature over the weekend.
Brian Taikiri Photo: PGA of Australia
