Golf: Choi grabs Chrysler lead with Els in pursuit

MIAMI - South Korea's K.J. Choi fired a five-under-par 66 to take the second round lead at the Chrysler Championship today, one shot clear of the chasing pack led by South African Ernie Els.

Playing the back nine first at the Palm Harbor Copperhead course, Choi had looked ready to take a tighter grip on top spot after reeling off four consecutive birdies from the first to get to seven-under through 13 holes.

But the 2002 Chrysler champion saw his error-free round ruined with a double-bogey on the par three eighth to finish with a midway total of eight-under 134.

Els, chasing his first PGA Tour win in two years and a place in next week's season-ending Tour championships, surged into contention with a 66 that included seven birdies and two bogeys.

Joining the world number seven on seven-under 135 are a pair of Americans, overnight leader Brian Gay (71) and Jonathan Byrd (67).

"I hit the ball solid, I had two bogeys but made quite a few birdies," Els told reporters. "My putting was ok, so I'm happy with my position."

With only the top 30 players on the PGA Tour money list receiving invitations to the season finale, Els needs a good finish at the Chrysler hopes to lock up a spot. The big South African currently sits on the bubble at number 30.

World number five Vijay Singh had a quiet day, signing for a bogey free one-under 71 but the Fijian remained in contention six shots back of the leader at two-under 140.

Canada's Mike Weir, who is also fighting for a place in the Tour Championship, got his day off to a dazzling start with an eagle three at the first.

However, the former-Masters champion watched his round go downhill from there adding three bogeys to finish with a one-over 72 to fall seven off the pace at one-under 141.

Australia's Adam Scott, the world number four and highest ranked player in the field, and number six Retief Goosen both failed to make the two-over cut.

Scott's miserable round included six bogeys mixed with an eagle and a birdie for a three-over 74.

Goosen, the 2003 Chrysler winner, failed to break par for the second consecutive day, signing for a two-over 73.

Both players finished at three-over 145.

- REUTERS