Former US Open champion Corey Pavin broke the course record to take a three-stroke lead in the Australian Players Championship in Brisbane yesterday. Pavin, making a stunning return to form, shot a seven-under-par 66 at the Royal Queensland course to lead the field after two rounds on 135, 11 under par. Fellow American Todd Demsey shot a 68 to finish the day three behind Pavin and level with Australian David McKenzie.

Australia's Peter O'Malley, a former Scottish Open winner, was among a group of three a further stroke back.

Pavin won the US Open in 1995 but his form has slumped since then and he has not won a tournament in over two years.

Australia's Stephen Leaney, the first-round leader, shot a second round of even par to finish five shots off the pace.