Travis Smyth is six shots back in pursuit of a US Masters ticket, heading into the weekend action at the Asia Pacific Amateur Championships.
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Smyth recovered from a double bogey six on the third hole of the day, after teeing off on the back nine at Royal Wellington.
From there carded three birdies and a bogey to be even par for the day and one-under for the tournament.
First round leader Shae Wools-Cobb handed back his advantage to be -5, two behind leader Lee Min Woo, with China’s Lin Yuxin at -6.
Wools-Cobb had set a blistering pace to be at eight-under on the opening day.
The tournament winner is handed a guaranteed entry into next year’s prestigious US Masters.
It’s the only incentive which has kept Smyth from turning professional.
The Shellharbour talent is expected to make the announcement if he misses out on Sunday, having claimed the NT PGA earlier this year.