Aaron Baddeley's commanding five-shot lead in the season-ending Australasian Tour Championship was cut to just one stroke after today’s second round.
The Australian teenager stormed clear of the field with a course record nine-under-par 62 on the opening day but could only manage an even par 71 today as his putter deserted him.
He was left just a shot clear of New Zealander Richard Lee, who carded a brilliant 64, and fellow Australian Peter Lonard, who made 67 for the second day in a row.
"I hit it good today, better than yesterday," said Baddeley, who is chasing his third tournament win in just eight starts as a professional. "I've just got to get a couple of yardages right tomorrow and hole a few putts and I should be right."
New Zealanders Michael Campbell and David Smail, the only players with a chance of overtaking Baddeley in the Order of Merit, both stormed back into contention with improved rounds.
Campbell matched Lee's 64 for the best round of the day to reach the halfway mark six shots behind Baddeley while Smail shot a 67 to join Nathan Green and Anthony Painter in a three-way tie for sixth.