Nitties rides Sydney wind as Scott charges, Spieth falters

By Nick Mulvenney SYDNEY (Reuters) - Local James Nitties hit a sparkling seven-under-par 65 to take a one-shot lead at the midway point of the Australian Open on Friday after Jordan Spieth charged but faltered and Adam Scott moved into contention at Royal Sydney. Nitties eagled the par-five second, his 11th hole, and rode the gathering wind with five more birdies on the way home to storm to the top of the leaderboard at nine-under, a shot ahead of New Zealander Ryan Fox. World number seven Scott also blitzed the back nine for a 65 and a share of fourth place on six-under, with American Spieth a further shot back in a share of ninth after a double bogey at the 15th left him with a 70.

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