Kuchar battles virus, still leads BMW

LEMONT, Ill., Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Matt Kuchar, weakened by a virus and resting at every opportunity, rallied on the back nine Friday to grab a share of the lead at the BMW Championship.

Kuchar, who came into the week on top of the FedEx Cup points chase after two of the four PGA Tour playoff events, bounced back from four early bogeys and shot a 1-over 72 at the Cog Hill Golf and Country Club. That put him at 6-under 136 at the 36-hole mark.

Charlie Wi was tied for first place after turning in a 69. Marc Leishman was alone in third at 137 following a 65 and those at 138 included Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, Luke Donald, Retief Goosen and Dustin Johnson.

Kuchar developed laryngitis Thursday while shooting a 64 and the virus that caused it sapped his strength Friday. He often sat on his golf bag between shots and once stopped under a tree alongside a fairway and briefly sat in a chair left behind by a member of the gallery.

After suffering bogeys on four of the first six holes, Kuchar began holing birdie putts and escaped with a score that was good enough to keep him in contention for what would be his second win in the first three playoff events.

"I just kept battling," Kuchar said. "In the end, I got out with a decent score."

Only the top 30 on the points list at the end of this week will move on to the Tour Championship, where the winner of the FedEx Cup and its accompanying $10 million will be determined.

Tiger Woods, who came into this week in 51st place on that list, shot a 72 and was nine shots behind Kuchar at 145. Woods likely needs to finish among the top five this week to be eligible for the Tour Championship and he finished Friday in a tie for 40th.

Phil Mickelson hit one shot into the water and another out of bounds en route to an even-par 71.

"I played really good golf the first two days and I'm over par," Mickelson said. "I just don't think I'm good enough to play this course."