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 dropped his only shot of the day at the par-four 10th after bunkering his approach and lipped out with three birdie putts over the last four holes.

"I had a couple of other lip-outs so 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.

"It's been pretty stress-free golf for me, which is nice.

"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.

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

IN THE HUNT

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.

"I just tried to stay patient today," Durant said after getting up and down from a greenside bunker at the last to save par and complete a second successive 68.

"It was not quite as windy but I felt the pins were tougher so consequently the scoring was just about the same, I guess.

"I didn't hit the ball great today. I was struggling with my swing and need to play better if I'm going to win."

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

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