Aussie Hall leads New Zealand PGA

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Australian Ashley Hall defied freezing winds and rain to shoot a 3-under-par 69 on Friday and lead the New Zealand PGA Golf tournament by three strokes after two rounds.

Hall, taking advantage of a morning tee time which avoided the worst of the conditions, moved to a two-round total of 7-under 137.

New Zealand's Anthony Doyle was in second after a 69 Friday.

"The best thing about today was my putting," Doyle said. "I've had no three-putts for the two rounds and I guess that's where you pick up your shots on the field."

Overnight leader Michael Curtain of Australia had a 5-over 77 to drop back into a share of 10th place.