New Zealander Ryan Fox will take a twoshot lead into the weekend at the John Hughes Nexus Risk Services WAOpen Championship.

Playing in the afternoon field, Foxfired a 6-under 66 to be 14-under the card after two rounds atCottesloe Golf Club.

"I played really solid all day withseven birdies and just one bogey on 13, which probably a few playersbogeyed. It was a tough hole, playing into the wind," said Fox.

"I kept the ball in play nicely offthe tee; if you do that around here then you give yourself a fewopportunities."

Since joining the PGA Tour ofAustralasia in 2012, Fox has been one of the most consistent playerson Tour but is still looking for his breakthrough victory.

"I feel fairly comfortable; it’snice to be in contention again. If I keep putting myself in thisposition then hopefully a win will happen soon." added Fox, whofinished runner-up at the QLD PGA Championship in February.

"I felt like I played well enough towin earlier in the year but Anthony Summers played great on Sunday tobeat me. There are more than enough guys who can do that this week."

The local fans will be hoping thatplayer is Stephen Dartnall who is three shots behind Fox.

"As a Kiwi over here I am generallyalways spoiling the party. Obviously Darts (Stephen Dartnall) willhave a lot of support out here," added Fox.

"He is a good player and hopefully wecan have a good battle over the weekend."

Tied second and two shots back of Foxis South Australian Paul Spargo and Australia’s highest rankedamateur Todd Sinnott.

While the leading West AustralianStephen Dartnall and overnight leader Steve Jones round out the top-5on 11-under the card.