Two-time champion Matt Jones is lurking ominously after stealthily climbing into the top 10 at the Australian Open with a second-round 68.
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Jones, who claimed the crown in 2015 and 2019, went through The Lakes in Sydney on Friday four under to be firmly in the picture once again despite an unusual first-day blunder.
Jones could well be in an even stronger position heading into the weekend and may come to rue his opening hole of the tournament.
The 43-year-old was penalised two shots for illegally taking a preferred lie out of the rough.
But Jones has brushed the costly act aside as he looks to hunt down clubhouse leader Connor Syme, who sits three shots ahead of him at nine under.
"It was forgotten about on the next hole, it wasn't a problem at all," Jones said.
While he may be a member at The Australian, it was at The Lakes where the Sydneysider thrived to strengthen his position ahead of Friday's cut.
He battled with a windy morning to card four birdies playing alongside reigning champion Adrian Meronk of Poland and fellow Australian Adam Scott, who both shot 68s.
And he now has his eyes fixed on climbing even closer to the top of the leaderboard.
"I played nicely, I should have been lower but I'll take it," Jones said.
"I missed a few putts but, other than that, I hit it nicely.
"I've got two days to try and catch the leaders, so let's see what happens.
"The breeze got tricky there but it was nothing that's abnormal in Sydney at this time of the year."
Jones said he fed off playing alongside Scott, who also enjoyed a revival in fortunes.
While he had to endure three bogeys, Scott recovered with five birdies and an eagle to finish five shots behind Syme at four under.
"I didn't have the best feeling with the club in my hand," Scott said.
"Ideally, I'd like to have a blow and get in the mix and not leave myself with too much work to do.
"It can happen. I mean, it's not far away from last Friday when I played the best golf of the year for me in a single round.
"But my rhythm has been off the last couple of days ... it hasn't been bad, but I'm not like dialling it in enough."
Australian Associated Press
