Tiger points the way at the Chevron

Tiger Woods mixed dazzling brilliance with occasional moments of sloppiness while charging into a three-shot lead in the second round of the Chevron World Challenge, writes Mark Lamport-Stokes.

Seeking his first victory in more than two years, the former world No.1 fired a five-under-par 67 on a relatively calm day of gusting winds at Sherwood Country Club to take control of the California tournament which he hosts.

Woods, whose last win was at the 2009 Australian Masters, recorded two eagles, five birdies, two bogeys and one double-bogey – along with three missed putts from three feet, to post an eight-under total of 136.

Overnight leader KJ Choi of South Korea lost ground after the turn to card a 73 and slip back into a tie for second at five under with American Matt Kuchar (67).

Two more Americans, Zach Johnson (67) and Hunter Mahan (68), were a further stroke back in a share of fourth.

“That was probably the highest score I probably could have shot today,” Woods said after taking the 36-hole lead for a second successive year in the elite 18-man event.

“I hit the ball really well, hit one bad shot today and almost made birdie on that hole if I would have hit a decent putt.”

“I hit a few bad putts today,” conceded the 14-times major winner, “but overall I really hit the ball well all day. I didn’t really miss a shot.”

For his second tournament in a row, Woods holds the lead after 36 holes.

Scot Martin Laird added a 74 to his first-round 77, leaving him tied with USPGA winner Keegan Bradley on 151, just one shot ahead of back marker Webb Simpson.