Australia's Adam Scott shot a five-under-par second round of 67 at The Open to move within two shots of the clubhouse lead at St Andrews.
The 35-year-old carded a bogey-free round on the Old Course to move into a tie for second on seven-under behind England's Danny Willett.
Scott, the Masters champion of 2013, will become the first Australian to win The Open since Greg Norman in 1993 if he triumphs at St Andrews.
The world number 11 is also looking to overcome his collapse at Royal Lytham & St Annes three years ago. when he bogeyed the last four holes to finish one shot behind Ernie Els.
