Golf:Darren Clarke will start his third round of the Australian PGA Championship nine shots off the pace as Marcus Fraser claimed the a two-stroke lead at Coolum. The British Open champion, just three behind at the start of the day, could only post a round of 73 as Fraser staked his claim.
With seven birdies in a fine effort, Fraser capitalised on favourable conditions to move to 11 under par and two ahead of American Bubba Watson, who led the field by two shots at the turn before stumbling on the back nine to eventually settle for a four-under 68.
Three strokes adrift of Fraser is Kim Kyung-tae after the South Korean posted a 67, while compatriot and 2009 USPGA champion YE Yang (68), shares fourth on seven under par alongside three-time PGA winner Robert Allenby (68), Adam Scott (67) and John Senden.
Senden shot the lowest round of the day, recovering from his opening 73 with a superb 64. The Australian appeared set to break the course record of 62, set by Han Min-kyu two years ago when Coolum was a par-71 layout, but just fell short.
After his early heroics on day one, Jason Day produced a steadier round, grabbing three birdies in a 69 to move to six under alongside Stuart Appleby (68), Leigh McKechnie (70), Kieran Pratt (70), Anthony Summers (68), Kurt Barnes (69), Josh Geary (70), Aaron Townsend (71) and Chan Shih-chang (69).
