Verplank leads at Disney World

Scott Verplank seized control at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic, moving to the top of the leaderboard after a late surge in the second round at Lake Buena Vista.

Verplank sank a long eagle putt and had five birdies on the back nine as he carded his second straight eight-under-par 64 for a three-stroke lead over Steve Marino and Troy Matteson after two rounds on the Magnolia and Palm courses at Walt Disney World.

Only a bogey on the 18th hole prevented the 44-year-old from shooting a 29 on his back nine as he reached the halfway mark of the final tournament of the year at 16-under 128.

Verplank, who has just two top-10 finishes on the year, is seeking his sixth PGA Tour victory and first since last year’s Byron Nelson Championship in 2007.

First-round leader Matteson could not match his torrid opening 63 as he carded a four-under 68 to join Marino at 13-under 131.

Marino, who is seeking his first career victory, surged up the leaderboard with a six-under 66.

Robert Gamez (67), Tag Ridings (66) and Robert Garrigus (67) are a further shot back at 12-under 132.

Bob Estes and Scott Sterling each signed for bogey-free 63s and are part of a six-man group at 133.