Harrington seizes Challenge lead

Defending champion Padraig Harrington seized the lead in the second round of the Target World Challenge in California.

The Irishman birdied four of his final six holes to complete a round of five-under-par 67 and moved to three under for the Tiger Woods-hosted tournament, which offers an €652,000 first prize.

"I was happy to finish strong," said Harrington. "I didn't play well on Thursday, so it's funny how things turned for me today."

Woods converted a 15-foot birdie on his last hole to complete a second straight round of 71, putting him in a tie for second with first-round leader Davis Love III and Chris DiMarco at this unofficial event at Sherwood Country Club.

Woods, who won this tournament two years ago, recovered after pulling a shot into the water and recording an eight on the par-five second hole. He bounced back with six birdies.

"What an ugly round, but all in all, it was a good day," Woods said. "Considering how it started, I'll take it."

Love, who has won just over €5.7m this season and was third on the PGA Tour money list behind Fiji's Vijay Singh and Woods, shot a 72.

DiMarco followed a 74 with a four-under 68.

Singh, Mike Weir, Nick Price of Zimbabwe, Australian Robert Allenby, KJ Choi of Korea and Justin Leonard are tied at one-under.

Darren Clarke is 13 shots off the lead after adding a 73 to his opening 81.

The field consists of the top 12 players in the World Golf Rankings and four special exemptions.