Defending champion Michael Hendry of New Zealand shared a three-way lead on Friday after two rounds of the New Zealand PGA championship.

Hendry shot a 5-under 67 at The Hills course to take a share of the halfway lead with Australians Aaron Townsend and Scott Strange at 10-under.

A bogey on the 18th marred Hendry's second consecutive 67 which included six birdies.

Townsend's 68 included six birdies and two bogeys, and Strange shot a 65 that included an eagle and six birdies.

Five-time Japan Tour winner Toshinori Muto was poised three shots off the pace in eighth place after a second round 69.

Three-time U.S. Open champion Hale Irwin shot a 71 after his first round of 80.