  We propose that extended orientational correlations can appear at the surface
of supercooled heavy noble liquid metals, due to the same compressive forces
that cause reconstruction of their crystal surfaces. Simulations for liquid Au
show a packed surface layer structurally akin to a defected 2D triangular
solid. Upon supercooling, the density of unbound disclinations decreases as
expected in Nelson-Halperin's theory. It extrapolates to a hexatic transition
about 350 K below melting, where a sharp growth of orientational correlation
length and time is also found. True hexatic order is preempted by
surface-initiated recrystallisation.
