Els moves clear of field with 66

South Africa's Ernie Els followed his first round 60 with a six-under-par 66 on Friday to open up a seven-shot lead at the Heineken Classic at Royal Melbourne.

The defending champion was unable to match his spectacular performance on the opening day when he came within a whisker of golf's magical 59, yet still produced a record total for 36 holes.

His 18-under-par total of 126 was one stroke off the European Tour record low score of 125 but his 18-under was the best score to par after two rounds.

"That was a good day's work, I thought," Els said.

"I played a little safer today. The course is showing some teeth today and I think the breeze is picking up too.

"I felt that the flags were more difficult today.

"I hit every green and made a putt here and there. I just have to keep doing what I'm doing. When you're playing so well, you shouldn't get in your own way."

Playing the back nine first, Els went out in 34 making birdies on the 10th and 15th holes. The world number three picked up another four strokes on the way home, including birdies at each of the last three holes.

"I am looking forward to this weekend. I want to keep going," said Els, bidding to win the tournament for the third year running. "I want to keep doing what I am doing and maybe tomorrow try to get my irons closer to the flag."

Australian left-hander Richard Green moved into second place on 11-under after firing a 67, one shot clear of Adam Scott and Peter Fowler who carded matching rounds of 68.

Scott played in the same group as Els and said the South African was playing as well as world number one Tiger Woods.

"I don't see anyone catching him at the moment," Scott said. "I honestly believe that when Ernie is on top of his game and Tiger is on top of his game, they are pretty hard to separate."

Green made 66 on Thursday and added seven birdies in the second round. He finished with a 67 after two bogeys on the back nine.

Peter O'Malley (69), and New Zealand pair Gareth Paddison (68) and Mahal Pearce (70) were tied for fifth at nine under.

Els said it was difficult to put his first round of 60 out of his mind.

"Obviously it was quite a big deal. It was a dream really," he said. "But you can't harp about what happened in the past, good or bad."

Scott added: "It was absolutely inspirational."

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