Casey finds patient approach pays off

Paul Casey led the Heineken Classic into the weekend here after heading an English raid on the leaderboard with a five-under-par second round of 67. It was more than enough for the 25-year-old to retain the outright lead at Royal Melbourne and secured him a two shot advantage on 12 under par.

"I am very happy with the way I played," he said. "There were plenty of birdie opportunities if you put the ball in the right places. The greens are good, but it's a patience game out there. I think I have handled that well the last two days."

Five of the top 10 were English, with Ian Garbutt, Anthony Wall and Gary Evans still in touch of the main pack.

David Lynn charged into second place on 10-under with a round of 65 that included just one dropped shot. The Australian Open champion Stephen Allan was sandwiched in third place on eight under.

It was another battling day for the defending champion Ernie Els, who finished on even par to remain on two under for the tournament. "I've lost my rhythm again this week," he said. "I don't think I hit one right club today. The wind played with us."

* Jay Haas, who is eligible to play on the Seniors Tour next season, recorded a career-best 11-under-par 61 for a one-shot lead after the second round of the Bob Hope Classic at La Quinta, California.