Tiger Woods defied the searing heat to take a two-shot lead at the end of the second day of the Australian Masters in Melbourne.

The world No1 followed up his opening 66 with a 68 at the Kingston Heath course to move to 10 under, two clear of Australia's James Nitties and Greg Chalmers.

Woods maintained his grip on the tournament with early birdies but he lost his swing late in the hot afternoon and missed two short birdie putts that would have put him even further in front.

"To shoot 68 was pretty good considering the conditions," said Woods.

Korea's YE Yang and Danny Chia, of Malaysia, set the clubhouse lead at seven under par midway through the second round of the UBS Hong Kong Open. Chia carded a four-under-par 66 while Yang battled to a 67 at Hong Kong Golf Club.

Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy, jostling for the lead in the European Tour's money list ahead of next week's season climax, the Dubai World Championship, were among the late second-round starters and were both set to resume on four under.

At Lake Buena Vista in Florida, England's Justin Rose shot a seven-under-par 65 to take a one-shot first-round lead in the Children's Miracle Network Classic.