BRADY Kurtz's hopes of defending his Australian title appear to be fading despite an improved performance at Mildura.

The 20-year-old Pirates flier bagged 10 points in the second round of four and led the B final before a last-turn pass by Justin Sedgmen denied him progress.

Kurtz picked up two heat victories but his close friend and Poole team-mate Jack Holder found the going tougher, totalling seven points.

The meeting was won by Wolverhampton's Sam Masters ahead of Max Fricke and series leader and Pirates asset Davey Watt.

The third round is due to take place at Undera on Wednesday, with the final round inked in for Saturday at Kurri Kurri.

A final (re-run): Sam Masters, Max Fricke, Davey Watt, Justin Sedgmen (f/x). B final: Sedgmen, Brady Kurtz, Nick Morris, Troy Batchelor.

Mildura points: Fricke 16, Masters 16, Watt 15, Sedgmen 13, B Kurtz 10, Morris 8, Batchelor 8, Josh Pickering 8, Jack Holder 7, Jaimon Lidsey 6, Ty Proctor 6, Jordan Stewart 4, Todd Kurtz 4, Mason Campton 4, Rohan Tungate 3, Cooper Riordan 2.

Overall standings: Watt 32, Sedgmen 30, Masters 26, Fricke 25, Morris 22, Batchelor 20, B Kurtz 15, Tungate 13, J Holder 13, Pickering 13, Proctor 12, Lidsey 12, T Kurtz 9, Campton 7, Riordan 6, Stewart 6.