Golf: Russell tracking the leaders

SCOTLAND'S Raymond Russell added a second-round 70 to his opening 65 to trail Stuart Appleby and Matthew Goggin by a single shot at the half-way stage of the Australian Masters in Melbourne. Appleby and the Tasmanian Goggin both fired five-under-par rounds while the overnight leader Bradley Hughes carded a 72.

In the United States, the PGA Tour has all but embraced Casey Martin and his cart.

Trying to turn a PR disaster into a plus, Commissioner Tim Finchem said Martin almost certainly will play in a Professional Golf Association Tour event this year.

Finchem said: "Casey Martin is a guy you want playing on the PGA Tour. He is an extremely popular individual and a role model. How would you not want him playing?"

After months of fighting Martin - and losing three times in court - the tour now seems ready to accept the disabled golfer.