Duval loses lead but stays in contention

David Duval maintained his challenge for a first title in four years after finishing the second round of the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan one stroke behind new leader Jim Furyk.

With defending champion Tiger Woods, on eight under, also one behind Furyk after a three-under-par 67 followed yesterday’s 65, Duval faces stiff competition to stay in contention having led yesterday.

Furyk’s round of 64 featured seven birdies and a solitary bogey to put him one ahead with nine-under-par 131 having been three shots behind Duval yesterday.

“It was a very good round, I put myself in a position to win,” said the world number seven, who is looking forward to playing alongside Duval and Woods in the third round.

“All three of us have played a lot of golf together. We’re good friends and it would be a fun pairing for all of us.”

Woods’ five birdies kept him in the running and after the second round he said: “I’m very happy considering I missed a bunch of putts today and didn’t drive as well as yesterday. To be only one back is pretty good.

“I basically had three bad drives and they cost me a couple of shots. I’ve got a few things I need to work on in practice but should be okay for tomorrow.”

Duval recovered from bogeys on the first and 10th, producing four birdies on the back nine.

“I’m gaining confidence,” he said. “I was two over par after the turn and to turn it around and make those birdies coming in makes me confident about what I’m doing.”

US Open champion Michael Campbell is seven strokes off the lead and shares ninth place on two under after his 66, while Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie also improved with a second-round 69 after finishing the first round one over to leave him on even par.