Merritt out front in qualifying tournament

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Troy Merritt maintained the lead Thursday and David Duval fell back in the second round of the PGA Tour's qualifying tournament.

Merritt shot a 3-under 69 at the Bear Lakes Country Club to finish 36-holes of the 108-hole event in 136. He had a one-shot lead over Jay Williamson.

There are 169 players in the field for this pressure-packed tournament and only the top 25 will earn their way onto the tour for 2010.

Those tied for third at 138 included Jeff Maggert, Brendon de Jonge, Andrew McLardy, Ted Brown and Michael Connell.

Rickie Fowler, who turned professional late in the 2009 season and who almost earned enough money in his three tournaments to qualify for next year, shot a 68 Thursday and moved into a tie for 18th place.

Duval, once the world's No. 1-ranked player and winner of the 2001 British Open, dropped into a tie for 39th at 144.

Another major champion, 2004 British Open winner Todd Hamilton, struggled to his second straight 76 and was tied for 147th.