Golf: Westwood unleashes six-birdie barrage

ENGLAND'S Lee Westwood, aiming for his third straight victory in the Taiehiyo Masters, charged back into contention with six birdies in yesterday's second round.

Westwood hit the day's best score of a five-under 67 to finish on 139 with Japan's Ryoken Kawagishi and the first-round leader Eduardo Herrera, of Colombia, four shots behind the new leader Nobuo Serizawa, of Japan. Serizawa shot a 68 after a first-round 67 to leave him three shots ahead.

"I was very pleased with my round, in particular my putting." said Serizawa, who is gunning for his fifth career victory on the Japan PGA tour.

Frankie Minoza, of the Philippines, carded three birdies and an eagle - as well as three bogeys - for a 70 to be in a tie for second place on 138 with Tateo Ozakiof Japan.

This year's Masters and British Open champion, Mark O'Meara, struggled with a 72 to stand in 41st place.

n New Zealand's Marnie McGuire said she could lead all the way to the title after staying in front through the second round of the women's Australian Open yesterday. McGuire leads by two from Australia's Jan Stephenson and Corinne Dibnah.