Whiteford Jumps into Lead at ISPS Handa Perth International


Englishman Peter Whiteford carded another 6-under 66 to take over the top spot at the ISPS Handa Perth International. The European Tour is taking place at Lake Karrinyup Country Club in Australia.

The 34-year-old Whiteford eagled the par-5 seventh hole for the second straight day. He tacked on four birdies for a spotless Friday and a two-round total of 12-under 132, a stroke ahead of Denmark's Thorbjørn Olesen.

Olesen, who shared the 18-hole lead with Monday qualifier John Wade, followed up his opening 64 with a 69. Right behind at 10-under is Korean Sihwan Kim (68), while tied for fourth at 9-under are Scotland's David Drysdale (68) and Brit James Morrison, who posted the low round of the tournament, a course-record-setting 9-under 63.

Wade shot a 72 to drop into a tie for sixth at 136 with fellow Aussie Richard Green (68).

Whiteford, who's yet to win on the European Tour, is hoping for a breakthrough this week. "I played great and felt like I got what I deserved - it's not often you say that in golf. You're always thinking you could've done better, but that eagle made me feel a lot better.

"This week it's no holds barred - win or bust. I'm very nervous, there's no doubt about that. I've got to just keep attacking."

A win would prevent Wade from having to re-qualify for the Tour. "I don't want to go back to school - nobody does - but I get what I deserve in this game, and I've been awful all year. It's nice that the form is coming back later on in the year."

One-time Tour winner Olesen likes where he's at heading into the weekend. "I felt like I played solid out there and gave myself a lot of chances for birdie, especially on the front nine. I had a few lip-outs, but the pins were a little bit trickier today and it made to a bit trickier with the putter. So I'm happy with the way I played; I hit a lot of greens and that's important here."

Morrison closed with a double-bogey on the par-4 18th in the first round but came out firing Friday with nine birdies to lower the course record established by Wade and Olesen the day before. "I finished with double-bogey last night, so it was kind of a bad end to a good day yesterday," said Morrison.

"I knew I was playing well. I actually know in Perth it gets windy in the afternoon and calm in the morning, so I was hoping for a nice calm day. I got that and just played great all day really. I've got nothing to lose now really. I kept my card and I need a top two [to make the Final Series], so just keep on pushing really.

"I mean, it all depends on weather and how other guys are doing. I'm just going to enjoy it. No matter whether you're last or first, playing out here is an absolute pleasure. It's one of those weeks where you don't really care if you make the cut on the mark or not. It's just great to play four days here and enjoy playing a fantastic golf course."

In his first competition in three months, Jason Dufner had another 70. The three-time PGA Tour winner and 2013 PGA champion came to Australia following a lengthy rehabilitation for a neck injury. He's tied for 18th with fellow American Peter Uihlein, who has recorded rounds of 69 and 71.

The cut was set at 1-under 143. Defending champion Jin Jeong won't be playing over the weekend after rounds of 72 and 75.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2014/tournamentid=2014084/leaderboard/index.html.