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Augusta - Adam Scott has geared his year toward a run for a second Masters title, and that single-minded focus is paying off.
The 38-year-old Australian, who beat Argentina's Angel Cabrera in a playoff in 2013 to claim his only major title to date, has endured some lean years, his last titles coming in 2016.
But his three top-10s on the PGA Tour this season include a runner-up finish at Torrey Pines, and he thinks he's peaking at just the right time.
"I've really worked on everything with the Masters in mind from the start of the year, much like I did in 2013," Scott said after firing a four-under par 68 on Friday to join a five-way tie for the halfway lead on seven-under 137.
"I probably have done every year, but a little bit more intent, maybe, this year.
"Certainly some similarities to that year in 2013, where I want to prove to myself that I've got it, and I've worked at it.
"Certainly the last three weeks, I haven't played a golf tournament since The Players and the focus has purely been on being ready for here.
"So, so far, so good."
Scott's 69-68 start is his best ever at Augusta National, but with five current or former major champions sharing the lead and Tiger Woods just a shot back in a group that also includes major-winner Dustin Johnson, he knows it's going to be a battle.
"This is really stacked," he said. "I think it's going to be an incredible weekend no matter what happens now," he said.
"There are so many great players in with a chance, and I think my game plan has to be the same as where I started the week."
That means maintaining the solid ball-striking he's shown so far, and, he hopes, some better luck on the greens.
"Hopefully the putter can warm up a little bit," Scott said. "A hot putter will go a long way on the weekend."
