Tiger Woods leads Australian Open after two rounds

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Tiger Woods began looking like the Tiger Woods of old when he shot a five-under-par 67 on Friday to take a one-shot lead after two rounds of the Australian Open.

Woods, who took only his second lead after a completed round since he last won at the Australian Masters nearly two years ago, is at nine-under 135 at The Lakes in Sydney.

Peter O’Malley birdied his last two holes for a 66 to finish one shot behind Woods, one of eight Americans playing in the tournament in preparation for the Presidents Cup next week. Jason Day, who played the round with Woods, had a 68 to finish two back. Bubba Watson birdied his last three holes for a 70 to close within three shots of the lead.

“I really played well,� Woods said. “Even though I shot five under, it felt it could have been eight or nine deep.

“It is one of those things, just being patient. I’m playing like I am playing at home. It has finally come to the golf course in a tournament setting. It takes a little time but once it starts coming, the confidence starts building.�

Day, one of Australia’s rising young stars, was impressed after getting a firsthand look at Woods.

“He has more shots in the bag than me right now,� Day said. “He hits some shots that made me go, ‘Wow.’ I feel that I can play a lot of different shots, but some of the shots that guy hits, especially around the greens, are amazing. He is always in control and always composed.�

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--Dan Loumena