Els in lead in Mercedes Championships

Ernie Els has taken a four-shot lead into the third round of the Mercedes Championships after a faultless second round 66 which included seven birdies and no dropped shots.

He has a nine-shot lead over Tiger Woods, who slumped to a level par 73.

"It's going to be difficult for him to catch me," said Els, referring to Woods.

It was Woods’ worst score since a 3-over 73 in the first round of the Byron Nelson Classic in May last season. But a 30-foot birdie putt on the 17th saved his streak of 49 straight rounds on the PGA Tour of Par or better, 57 straight rounds around the World.

Els, who hit every green in regulation yesterday finished at 12-under par.

Three players are tied for third spot behind Els. Fellow countryman Rory Sabbatini, Vijay Singh and Jim Furyk are all on 8-under par.