MELBOURNE, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Englishman Paul Casey fired a 5-under 67 Friday that kept him in front after two rounds of the Heineken Classic.
Casey, who overcame rainy weather Thursday and carded a 65, had a two-stroke lead over countryman David Lynn.
"(Friday) was a lot tougher than (Thursday)," Casey said. "The couple of dropped shots I had were not unforced errors like I had yesterday. I am very happy with the way I played."
Casey, 25, had the tournament's first eagle at the ninth hole and collected five birdies to finish 36 holes over the Royal Melbourne course at 12-under 132.
"There were plenty of birdie opportunities out there if you put the ball in the right places," he said. "The greens are good, but it's a patience game out there. I think I have handled that well out there the last two days."
Australian Open champion Stephen Allan was in third place at 136, one shot better than Steve Webster. Ian Poulter turned in the round of the day with a 64 that left him at 138.
Defending champion Ernie Els had another tough day and was among a group of players tied for 37th at 2-under 142. The South African improved on his first-round score with successive birdies but dropped five shots on a disastrous front nine.
"I have lost my rhythm again this week," said Els, who came into the tournament on the heels of two wins and a second-place finish in the last three weeks. "I don't think I hit one right club today."
