Refreshed Ogilvy Leads Australian Open

Sydney - December 3, 2010: Victorian Geoff Ogilvy will take a one shot lead into the third round of the 2010 Australian Open presented by Century 21 after a stunning performance at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney today.

Out early in the morning field Ogilvy made the most of the perfect conditions sinking seven birdies on his way to the outright lead for the event co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.

At the halfway mark Ogilvy leads at 11-under, only one shot ahead of fellow US Tour player Matt Jones who shot an incredible round of eight-under in tough afternoon conditions.

Matt Griffin is a further shot back at nine-under while American Dudley Hart shares fourth position with 2006 Australian Open Champion John Senden.

In the media centre for this first time this week, a refreshed Ogilvy attributed his form to some much needed time off over the last two months back in his home town of Melbourne.

“I am much happier with (my game) this time than I was this time last year. I was pretty over it this time last year. This was my sixth tournament in seven weeks last year,” said an honest Ogilvy who finished outside of the top 30 in the 2009 Australian Open.

“I’m pretty happy with what I have done. I had a really good time away from the game. I have practised pretty hard for a month, starting the week before the Masters. It has been nice to be in Melbourne for two full months.”

Teeing off the 10th hole alongside defending champion Adam Scott and China’s No. 1 player Liang Wenchong, Ogilvy’s day started slowly before holing three consecutive birdies from the 13th.

With two more birdies on 17 and 18 Ogilvy turned at five-under through his first nine holes.

As the wind started to increase in the afternoon Ogilvy sank two more birdie putts on 3 and 8 finishing the morning field in the clear lead leaving it up to the afternoon field to chase down his score.

“It’s a tournament we all want to win as Australians,” said Ogilvy.

“I played really well for the score I had today. If I keep playing like that I’m sure I’ll be there or thereabouts.”

Liang became the joint-top Asian in the field after a bogey-free 68 put him two-under, level with Thailand's Panuphol Pittayarat (72) as well as Korean Tour player John Huh (71) of the USA.

Despite fatigue and a nagging wrist injury that has bothered Liang for several months, the three-time OneAsia winner is still gunning for a good result this week.

"My focus today was not on a low score but performing to my best ability," Liang said. "I am playing with many great players this week so it is a chance to learn from them and to improve myself."

Geoff’s other playing partner Scott fought back to ensure he will be in contention for back to back titles, the Queenslander shooting seven-under to finish day two in a tie for 16th at three-under.

Yuan Hao, China’s biggest hitter, also made the cut after shooting a 71 to lie even-par.

Of the amateurs in the field English import Tom Lewis is faring the best and currently sits at two-under after an even round.

A total of 64 players made the cut at one-over par. For the full Round 2 leaderboard click here.

Play will get underway from 7:51am tomorrow, Saturday morning with Ogilvy teeing off in the final group of the day alongside Jones and Griffin.

For all Round 3 tee times click here.

Transcripts from today’s press conferences are available at www.australianopengolf.com.au .

The Australian Open presented by Century 21 is the penultimate tournament on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia and is being played at The Lakes Golf Club (par 72) from Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th December 2010.