P – Australian teenager Brett Coletta shot a four-under-par 66 to top the clubhouse leaderboard in the US Amateur when the second-round of stroke-play qualifying was suspended because of darkness.

The 19-year-old Victorian reached seven-under 133 and looked set to lead the top 64 players at the end of the round who advance to the match play stage that decides the title – with the two finalists to earn invitations to next year’s Masters.

“At home, everyone says this is the tournament to get into,” Coletta said. “This is the tournament to win. This is the biggest experience you’re going to get, and it’s hyped up to be what it is.

“So I’ve come here, and all the stands are up, all you guys out here, the TV cameras will be out tomorrow. This is a great experience for me, coming to play this event, and to play well is even better.”

Joining national squad member Coletta in the match play at Olympia Fields Country club in Chicago will be fellow Australians Maverick Antcliff and Ryan Ruffels.

Queenslander Antcliff, 22, carded five birdies on the inward nine of the South Course to power his way to a five-under 65 and three-under total of 137.

Antcliff is a student and member of the golf team at Georgia Regents University, which is located in Augusta, home of the Masters.

“Growing up in Australia, we play a lot of match play … it’s been a few years, but it’s always fun,” he said.

Ruffels followed his stellar 66 on the North course with a two-over 72 on the South course but will still advance comfortably with a two-under total.