Yuan storms to Australian PGA C’ship lead

GOLD COAST, Australia: China’s Yuan Yechun blitzed the field for a one-shot lead after day two of the European Tour co-sanctioned Australian PGA Championship on Friday, but wily Adam Scott lurked dangerously for a weekend charge.

The big-hitting 22-year-old broke away from the pack with three consecutive birdies on holes 11, 12 and 13 before losing his touch with two bogeys. But he restored order with another birdie — his eighth of the day — for a seven-under-par-65.

It left him one clear of Australia’s Anthony Quayle, who mixed six birdies and an eagle with two bogeys in his 66. World number 18 Scott is well placed heading into Saturday, two off the pace after draining three birdies in his final four holes.

Scott nailed an eagle for the second consecutive day at the par-5 15th in his 67. “I rolled a lot of nice putts. A lot went by the edge, but I made a couple as well.” It left him tied for third with fellow Australian and old friend Wade Ormsby, who he has known since they were 13.