Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, runner-up in the event last year, and Vijay Singh, just ahead of Els at World Number Two, lie a further shot back on six under par 138, three shots adrift of the joint leaders Jerry Kelly and Kevin Sutherland of America.

Els, winner of the 2003 Volvo Order of Merit, bounced back from missing the cut ion last week’s Bay Hill Inviational in some style, following his opening 68 with a second round 69 to lie on seven under par 137.

Els birdied his first hole - the tenth -- with an eight iron to 12 feet, then didn’t do much until he two putted the 16th for another birdie. Back-to-back birdies at the first and second holes really moved him into contention.

Scott, who led the first round after an opening 65, shot a level par 72 in the second round to remain among the leaders.

Singh shot a four under par 68 to move up to 138, six under par, to lie alongside Harrington, who led by two at the same stage last year, and once again found the TPC course to his liking as he shot a second round 70.

"I feel very comfortable here and hopefully it will happen for me sooner rather than later,” said Harrington.

"This is very early season for me, to be honest, but although I putted poorly today I've certainly given myself a chance.

"I was struggling to see the lines on the greens, so I was very happy to hole the 15-footer on the last."

Germany’s Alex Cejka lies in a share of 11th place on four under par 140 after a second round 71 with Spain’s Sergio Garcia a further shot back. Thomas Björn lost ground, following an opening 67 with a 76 to fall from a share of fourth to joint 23rd on 143, one under par.

World Number One Tiger Woods, who looked in danger of missing the cut for the first time in 120 events, responded with a 69 to continue his impressive streak.


 


Courtesy of www.europeantour.com