First-round leader Darcy Brereton broke away from the field to hold a six-stroke lead after round two of the Australian Master of the Amateurs yesterday.
The 23-year-old sits at eight under on his home course at Royal Melbourne after rounds of 66 and 68, and is one of just four players better than par.
An even-par 71 featuring a late eagle by 16-year-old American Canon Claycomb has him in second place at two under, while another Victorian David Micheluzzi improved three shots on his opening round to share third place alongside American Shintaro Ban.
Victorian Julienne Soo leads the field of 24 contesting the inaugural Women’s Australian Master of the Amateurs.
A birdie on the 18th enabled the 21-year-old Melburnian to move a shot clear of overnight leader Robyn Choi, of Queensland.
Two other Australians Becky Kay and Stephanie Kyriacou are three shots further back.