The Defending Champion, Gareth Paddison fought his way to the outright lead today at the Muriwai Golf Links. Paddison relished the windy conditions and battled the elements to score a five under par 67 despite a last hole bogey for a seven under par two round total. With two rounds remaining the Autex Muriwai Open is still wide open with challenges coming from Ryan Chisnall and New Zealands leading amateur Dan Hillier on six under and Luke Brown at five under with James Anstiss afurther stroke back