ATLANTA, Nov 3 - Australia's Adam Scott, boosted by four birdies in seven holes, moved into a tie for the lead midway through the season-ending Tour Championship on Friday.

Chasing his first PGA Tour title of the year, the 26-year-old carded a three-under-par 67 to finish the second round level with American Joe Durant (68).

The pair were locked at four-under 136, three ahead of Australian Stuart Appleby (70), South Africans Trevor Immelman (66) and Retief Goosen (71) and American Brett Quigley (68).

Scott, who carded a 69 in gusting winds the previous day, took early advantage of calmer conditions at East Lake Golf Club.

The world number four raced to the turn in four-under 31, picking up shots at the third, sixth, eighth and ninth.

However, he failed to make the most of his birdie opportunities on the back nine, lipping out three times over the last four holes.

"On a good day, it could have been four shots better," Scott told reporters. "But it's been two good days for me and I've been driving the ball well, which I think is really key around here.

"This weekend is a good chance for me to get something out of my good play over the year," added the Australian, who has produced seven top-four finishes in 18 PGA Tour starts.

"It's probably the best I've ever played over the period of a year but I have nothing to show for it other than a win in Singapore. It's been a little disappointing.

HARD DAYS

"Still, I've got two hard days ahead of me and I've got to push myself."

Durant, co-leader overnight with 2004 champion Goosen, rattled up four birdies and two bogeys to stay in the hunt for his second title of the year.

The Florida professional, who has resurrected a disappointing season over the last three months, won the Walt Disney Classic two weeks ago.

Best round of the day was the 66 by Tour rookie Immelman.

The 26-year-old from Cape Town mixed two bogeys with six birdies, including a slick 21-footer at the par-three last.

"It was really quick down there," he said. "Any time you hit that green from the tee you're pretty happy.

"I managed to start the putt on line and it was really nice to see it go in."

Although conditions were relatively benign at the start of another crisp, bright day, scoring was by no means easy with several of the pins tucked away on the greens.

Only five players in the 27-man field were under par for the round.

The Tour Championship brings together the top 30 money winners on the PGA Tour.