AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Rory Sabbatini shot his second straight 67 Friday and took a two-shot lead over Zach Johnson after two rounds of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
Sabbatini, a winner earlier this year at the Colonial Invitation, was one of only eight players under par at the Firestone Country Club's South Course.
His 6-under 134 total kept him in front of the current Masters champion, who equaled the low round of the tournament Friday with a 65.
Tiger Woods, Scott Verplank and Kenny Perry were all at 2-under 138 while Lee Westwood, Davis Love III and Chris DiMarco were at 139. Love also shot a 65.
Paul Casey and Hunter Mahan, both of whom shared the lead with Sabbatini after the first round, both shot 73 Friday to slip back into a tie for ninth.
Phil Mickelson, still trying to regain his form since a wrist injury disrupted his preparation for the U.S. Open, was at 146 -- along with Vijay Singh.
"The course is playing a little tough out there," said Woods, who has won this event five times. "It was quite a challenge. I hit the ball decent today, but I didn't hit it close."
