CALIFORNIA - Tiger Woods, boosted by two monster birdie putts, grabbed the lead from overnight pacesetter Henrik Stenson in the Target World Challenge second round today.
The world number one holed out from 40 feet at the ninth and from 50 feet at the 10th on his way
to a four-under-par 68 at Sherwood Country Club.
That left him at eight-under 136, one ahead of Swede Stenson who carded an eventful 71.
US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy returned a 70 to join American Chris DiMarco (68) in third place at six under with Britain's Paul Casey (70) a further stroke back in fifth.
"I played very nicely out there today, a good solid round," DiMarco said after mixing six birdies with two bogeys.
"I think I've had three three-putts this week which is amazing for me," added the Florida-based professional, who cost himself outright third place after a three-putt bogey at the last.
"But it's certainly not a case of missing short putts. All were long putts with my approach putt on 18 from around 65 feet."
Tournament host Woods, bidding for his 11th title worldwide this year, began the day two strokes adrift of Stenson.
That soon became four after the Swede birdied the first two holes and Stenson maintained his advantage with 10 holes to play.
Woods made his move with long-range birdie putts on nine and 10 and the momentum ultimately shifted his way over the back nine.
Although Stenson eagled the par-five 11th after hitting a superb second shot to 10 feet to forge three shots clear, he double-bogeyed the par-three 12th after missing the green wildly to the right.
Woods rolled in a curling 10-foot birdie putt at the par-five 13th to tie Stenson for the lead and parred the last five holes to retain control of the tournament.
World number four Adam Scott battled for the second day in a row, a dismal 80 dropping him into bottom place in the elite 16-man field at 11 over par.
Britain's Luke Donald, champion at Sherwood Country Club last year, was only five strokes better after returning a 74.
- REUTERS
