Ogilvy maintains lead in Hawaii

KAPALUA, Hawaii, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Geoff Ogilvy joined in the burst of low scoring Friday to maintain a one-shot lead midway through the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Hawaii.

With good rounds being posted throughout the elite, 33-player field, Ogilvy produced a 5-under 68 over the Kapalua Resort's Plantation Course for a 36-hole total of 11-under 135.

D.J. Trahan jumped into second place at 136 by firing the low round of the tournament so far, a 7-under 66, and Ernie Els was third at 137 following a 69.

Those tied at 139 included Anthony Kim, Sean O'Hair, Ryuji Imada and Kenny Perry. Boo Weekley had an excellent round working until he double-bogeyed the massive, 663-yard, par-5 18th hole and he wound up with a 70 for a 140 total.

Vijay Singh, who reportedly will have knee surgery after this season-opening tournament, was at 146.

Ogilvy's round was highlighted by a stretch of five birdies in six holes beginning at the fourth. He won last year's World Golf Championships CA Championship, his first victory on the PGA Tour since he captured the 2006 U.S. Open.

Trahan parred only six holes on the mountainside course. His round consisted of seven birdies, an eagle and two bogeys. Only winners from the 2008 tour are eligible for this tournament and Trahan made the field by finishing first at the Bob Hope Classic -- the second victory of his career.