Campbell leads field after 65

New Zealander Michael Campbell birdied the last four holes to take a one-shot lead after the second round of the Australian Open on Friday.

Campbell, who tasted success for the first time for four years when he won the Johnnie Walker Classic earlier this month, posted a seven-under-par 65 at the Royal Sydney Golf Club course to head the field on 134.

Campbell's round equalled the best of the day and took him ahead of his playing partner, Australian amateur Aaron Baddeley, who bogeyed two of the final five holes.

Campbell, while delighted with his own continued good form, appeared even more excited by the display of the highly-rated Baddeley.

"It's incredible how talented he is," Campbell said. "He's only 18 and yet he plays every shot without fear.

"It was wonderful to see -- hell, when I was 18 I was still fixing telephones for Telecom. I wouldn't have dreamed of leading the Australian Open at 18.

But Baddeley was far from overawed. "I'm not surprised to be where I am. I came here to win the golf tournament," he said.

First round leader Paul Gow was a shot behind Baddeley after a 72.

Greg Norman, a five-times winner of the tournament, spluttered to an unimpressive 73 to be nine shots off the pace but European number one Colin Montgomerie, who admitted to being "physically and mentally jaded" at the end of a long year, shot a 67 to be five under at the halfway mark.

Australian defending champion Greg Chalmers equalled the day's best round of 65, carding seven birdies, an eagle and a double bogey. He is also on five under.