Kyle Stanley 'knives' through field with six birdies to lead by a shot

With the windy conditions that blighted the opening day at Palm Beach Gardens easing, Stanley took full advantage of his late tee-off time to amass six birdies and two bogeys on his way to six under overall following a 68 yesterday.

South Africa's Rory Sabbatini compiled the best round of the week so far with a 64 to move into second place, one shot off the leader.

"I knew the conditions were going to be tough, but crazy things happen," said Sabbatini, who needed just nine putts on the back nine and 21 in total.

"I put the ball in the right spots a few times and made a couple of putts, and all of a sudden you stop worrying about everything and you just start trying to make some more birdies.

"I'm the most confident I've been with the putter in a really long time, so that's a key factor for me right there."

Sabbatini's compatriot Charl Schwartzel moved into third place at three under, while Ricky Barnes, Jerry Kelly, Stuart Appleby and Tommy Gainey were a shot further back in a tie for fourth.

World No.2 Lee Westwood was one of five players at one under after shooting a 69, leaving the Englishman well placed for a top-three finish which would see him replace Germany's Martin Kaymer at the top of the rankings come Sunday.

Overnight leader Spencer Levin was also at one under after a 72, while world No.3 Luke Donald finished one over.