Golf: McDowell in Singapore lead

Graeme McDowell and Adam Scott both made good starts to their second rounds at the Singapore Open to share the lead on nine under par.

McDowell had spoken prior to the tournament of his aim to reduce Martin Kaymer's lead in the Race to Dubai standings, and the Northern Irishman set about his task in determined fashion.

With yesterday's first round delayed by four hours due to thunderstorms, McDowell was forced to finish his opening 18 holes this morning and he posted a 65 that featured seven birdies and a bogey over the more difficult Serapong course at Sentosa Golf Club.

The 31-year-old then carried his fine form over to the Tanjon layout, picking up birdies on the first four holes before a bogey on five checked his progress.

Scott, meanwhile, matched McDowell's 65 and the Australian then reeled off three birdies in a row from the third on the Tanjon course to climb into a share of the lead.

David Drysdale looked set to make the cut after he finished his second round on four-under after scores of 68 and 70.

Colin Montgomerie was also four-under with a hole to play in his second circuit but Richie Ramsay and Alastair Forsyth were facing a sweat after finishing on two-under. Paul Lawrie was two-over early in his second round.

In Australia, Tiger Woods is nine shots behind leader Adam Bland at the halfway stage in the Australian Masters after a second-round 72 at Victoria GC. Australian Bland added a 67 to his opening 65 to lead by one from Andre Stolz.