Sports - Golf

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009

Tiger takes the lead in Australia

By DOUG FERGUSON - AP Golf Writer

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MELBOURNE, Australia -- Tiger Woods has shot a 68 in the second round of the Australian Masters to build a three-shot lead going into the weekend at Kingston Heath, his fourth straight tournament with at least a share of the 36-hole lead.

Woods won only one of the previous three, at the BMW Championship outside Chicago.

He had the lead Friday over an American - Jason Dufner - and a pair of Australians in James Nitties and Greg Chalmers, who both dropped shots over the final few holes.

Large crowds watch Tiger Woods from the United States line up a put during the first round the Australian Masters golf tournament at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009.

- Andrew Brownbill /AP Photo

Large crowds gather to watch Tiger Woods from the United States begin his first round on the 10th tee at the Australian Masters golf tournament at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009.

- Andrew Brownbill /AP Photo

Tiger Woods from the United States smiles during the first round the Australian Masters golf tournament at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009.

- Andrew Brownbill /AP Photo

Tiger Woods from the United States hits an approach shot during the first round the Australian Masters golf tournament at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009.

- Andrew Brownbill /AP Photo

Tiger Woods of the USA, tees off on the 9th in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 during the first round of the Australian Masters golf tournament .

- Rob Griffith /AP Photo

Tiger Woods from the United States hits an approach shot during the first round the Australian Masters golf tournament at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009.

- Andrew Brownbill /AP Photo

Tiger Woods from the United States tees off on the 15th hole during the first round of the Australian Masters golf tournament at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009.

- Andrew Brownbill /AP Photo

Tiger Woods of the USA plays a shot on the 6th fairway in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 during the first round of the Australian Masters golf tournament . Woods finished the round 6 under the card.

- Rob Griffith /AP Photo

Tiger Woods of the USA, lines up his shot on the 9th green in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 during the second round of the Australian Masters golf tournament at Kingston Heath.

- Rob Griffith /AP Photo

Tiger Woods of the USA, tees off on the 10th in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 during the second round of the Australian Masters golf tournament at Kingston Heath.

- Rob Griffith /AP Photo

A large gallery moves in behind Tiger Woods of the USA, as he plays a shot on the 5th fairway in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 during the second round of the Australian Masters golf tournament at Kingston Heath.

- Rob Griffith /AP Photo

Kultida Woods, center, watches her son Tiger play in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 during the second round of the Australian Masters golf tournament at Kingston Heath.

- Rob Griffith /AP Photo

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Before another enthusiastic gallery that topped 24,000 people, Woods opened with two birdies to take the lead. And while he lost his swing late in the round and missed a pair of short birdie putts late, he was pleased with his position.

Woods was at 10-under 134 as he tries to win for the first time in Australia.

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