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Mullaney makes his move at PNG Open


Jordan Mullaney has set the best score of the morning at the SP PNG Open, firing 6-under 66 to lead the field in round two with a tournament total of 11-under the card.

Jordan Mullaney has set the best score of the morning at the SP PNG Open, firing 6-under 66 to lead the field in round two with a tournament total of 11-under the card.

"JordanSitting amongst the front-runners following the opening round of the tournament, a hot putter was the key to Mullaney’s success in round two which saw him fire eight birdies and two bogeys.

“My round today was similar to yesterday,” said Mullaney, who finished round one tied in second place.

“I got off to a hot start again. I have been putting really well on both days and just kept it together which was good.

“It’s the first time for me being right up the top so it’s great.”

Favouring the front-9 of the Royal Port Moresby layout, it is the back-9 that has worked best for the New South Welshman so far this week where he fired three birdies in a row from holes 15 to 17.

“That for me can be a bit of a tough stretch,” said Mullaney of the tail-end of the back-9.

“There’s a lot of water and you can stuff up those holes pretty easily so it was good to get through with a few birdies.

“I think the front-9 generally is easier but I played a bit better on the back today. I just take it one hole at a time.”

A foggy morning greeted players in Papua New Guinea before temperatures soared and humidity increased to make for tough conditions out on the course.

“It was a little bit dewy this morning so it’s a little tricky around the fringes of the greens,” added Mullaney.

“I made a couple of bogeys from around the edge of the greens which was a bit disappointing. Other than that the course was really good.”

“I’ve been up here for the past few years and it’s generally always pretty still in the morning and you get a little bit of wind in the afternoon.”

Firing the equal best score of the day at 6-under 66, Andrew Campbell has joined the front-runners to sit in second position with a tournament total of 10-under the card.

“I played pretty solid all day, didn’t really make any mistakes apart from 17,” said Campbell, who recorded seven birdies alongside a lone bogey on 17.

“I just kept it in play and kept giving myself chances.”

Following a short break from the sport after time in the Philippines, Campbell is pleased with his form at the SP PNG Open.

“After the last couple of days I think it’s back more due to where my headspace is at,” said Campbell of his current form.

“My game’s always been there it’s just by me getting in my own way. I’ve found I’ve been able to get out of my own way this week.”

“I hit a lot of good short shots around the greens, giving myself chances. It was just a solid day.”

As the competition heats up, Campbell believes scores could go even lower following the afternoon field in round two.

“I can see scores maybe getting to 13-under, it just depends how much it blows and there are some good players in the afternoon so you never know.

“It’s going to take another couple of good rounds over the weekend to keep myself in contention. I’m just happy to be back in contention and playing well.”


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