Harrington stays in touch as Toms keeps Honda lead

DEFENDING champion Padraig Harrington had to produce a five under par 67 just to remain four behind David Toms at the halfway stage of the Honda Classic in Florida.

Title favourite and joint first day leader Toms had an eagle and seven birdies, but after threatening to run away with the event midway through the second round, gave the chasing pack hope with three bogeys in the last five holes to stand 10 under.

Playing partner Harrington, out in 32 after four successive birdies starting at the sixth, picked up more shots on the 12th and 17th, but the second of those widened his deficit as Toms holed from off the green for eagle.