WASHINGTON (AFP) — Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, fired a two-under-par 69 to seize a one-stroke lead after Friday's second round of the US PGA's BMW Championship.

The 42-year-old Australian, chasing his 15th career PGA victory, stood on eight-under 134 after 36 holes at Wilmington (Delaware) Country Club.

"I'm playing well," Scott said. "I'm in great shape going into the weekend. I don't even know when the last time I led a tournament was."

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion, and fellow Americans Cameron Young and Jordan Spieth shared second on 135 with Canada's Corey Conners.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy chipped in for birdie from 31 feet at the 18th to shoot 68 and stand on 136 with American Scott Stallings and Aussie Cam Davis, defending FedEx Cup champion Patrick Cantlay and Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele.

The event is the second of three FedEx Cup playoff tournaments with the top 30 on season points after Sunday advancing to next week's season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta.

Scott, who has qualified for all 16 editions of the playoffs, is set to jump into to third in points from 45th and reach Atlanta for the first time since 2019.