Date:18/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/18/stories/2003011804411800.htm

Sport - Golf

Patterson, Downes in the van

AUCKLAND JAN. 17. Australians Alan Patterson and Chris Downes shot solid rounds in windy conditions on Friday to share the lead after the second round of the New Zealand Open golf tournament.

Patterson shot one-under 71 to retain the lead he shared overnight with countryman Craig Jones while Downes carded a 70 to move from outright third place into a first-place tie at eight-under 137.

Jones matched par to drop to a share of third place with young New Zealand professional Gareth Paddison, who shot 69 for a two-round total of 138.

Other movers on Friday were Japan-based New Zealander David Smail who added a two-under-par to his first-round 69 and slid into a three-way tie for fifth.

Grant Waite, winner of the 1992 New Zealand Open and 1993 Kemper Open on the U.S. PGA Tour, moved into contention with a second round 69 which included six birdies and three bogeys.

He shares eighth place with New Zealand amateur Brad Heaven, who followed his first-round 69 with an even-par 72.

Waite felt he had been mentally solid in his three-under-par round. He said his 15-foot putt to save par at 18 was the highlight of the round.

``That putt was a great momentum-saver for me,'' he said. ``It kept my round going because I birdied two and four. It was very big.''

Smail, who is also a former New Zealand Open champion, survived a triple-bogey seven at 18 to shoot 70 which included six birdies.

Patterson said he was nervous beginning his second round on Friday because he was not used to leading in a tournament. The nerves showed when he missed a short putt for a bogey on his opening hole.

``I was very, very nervous this morning when I got to the course,'' he said. Birdies on the third and fourth holes helped him settle into his round.