THE heat is on today for Padraig Harrington after the 25 year old scorched to a spectacular course record 63 in the second round of the Perth Classic. The nine under par round left him at 11 under, two strokes clear of Frank Nobilo of New Zealand.

Temperatures are expected to be around 40C today in Western Australia, and Harrington will hope to perform as coolly as he did last year in Madrid to clinch the Spanish Open title, his maiden European Tour victory.

Paul McGinley was in sizzling form, too, equalling the old course record 65 to lie four strokes behind Rarrington in fourth place. David Higgins, refusing nowadays to hold anyone in awe, posted a fine 67 to be one more shot adrift on six under par.

Darren Clarke, is a further stroke behind, still well in with a chance of his third title, after a 69.

Raymond Burns fought well for a 71, but his opening 79 had left his task too great and he missed the weekend on six over. Ronan Rafferty had threatened to be part of the Irish bid for the £100,000 first prize tomorrow night. He suddenly fell apart, though, in a flurry of dropped shots after the turn to card 76 and three over, well out of it.

For Harrington, it was the sixth course record he has achieved in his long amateur and short professional career.

"All course records are good but this one was a bit special," said the Stackstown man. "I always regard my Royal Portrush record as my favourite, although shooting the record at the K Club last year, so close to home, was pretty special, too. But to be two better here and in the second tournament of the year, that's going to be pretty special, too."

As usual, Harrington tried to hide his light under a bushel. But even he could not hide his elation at nine birdies which came at regular intervals from the fourth.

On Thursday in the first round he had counted himself lucky to return a 70, claiming that either the heat, the start of the season, or simply lack of discipline, was holding him back. Yesterday he seemed to get the two things right he was able to, and the weather took care of the third problem.

"It wasn't so hot through starting at 7.30 am," said Harrington, "so the round was much more comfortable. I seemed to be sharper, too, going through my routines, much better and focusing."

That great putting round consisted of one 40 footer, a 25 footer, one from 15 feet and three 12 footers for six of the birdies.