Victorian David Micheluzzi retains his three-stroke lead midway through the Australian Open second round as Adam Scott ominously hunts him down.
After opening with a course-record-equalling seven-under-par 63 at Victoria Golf Club, Micheluzzi cooled somewhat on Friday.
The sandbelt specialist negotiated his front nine at Kingston Heath - the Open's co-hosting course - in one under to move to eight under for the championship.
Chasing an elusive second Open crown after winning his first 13 years ago, Scott looked a man on a mission during the second round.
The former world No.1 described his one-under first round at Kingston Heath as "disgusting" and wasted little time making amends at Victoria.
Scott collected four birdies in his first 11 holes to surge to five under and into a four-way tie for second.
Josh Geary (68) and Haydn Barron (69) were sharing the clubhouse lead at five under, with Deyan Lawson also five under but with six holes of his round remaining.
But while Scott was heading north on the leaderboard, fellow heavyweight Cameron Smith could be headed for the Open exit gates.
Smith's second straight one-over round left the tournament favourite hovering one shot below the projected cut line.
"That was pretty rubbish out there today," said the world No.3.
"I was just really uncomfortable all day, kind of similar to yesterday. I just couldn't quite hit the ball out the middle of the club face for some reason.
"My mind was a little bit foggy, obviously a little bit tired as well. But I need to play better than that, even when I am tired.
"It's probably the easiest this place is going to get."