CARNOUSTIE, Scotland, July 20 (UPI) -- Sergio Garcia shot even-par 71 Friday and owned a two-stroke lead halfway through the British Open in Scotland.
Garcia, who turned in a six-under 65 in the first round, is two shots ahead of T.K. Choi, who shot his second consecutive 69 at Carnoustie and is at 4-under 138 after 36 holes.
Miguel Angel Jimenez and Mike Weir are tied for third at 3-under 139, with Weir's 68 on one of the best rounds Friday. Only 12 golfers are under par. Two-time defending champion Tiger Woods is not among that bunch, shooting 74 on Friday to fall into a tie for 20th at one-over 143.
Garcia had seven birdies and a bogey Thursday and turned in an even-par round that featured two birdies and two bogeys in the second round. His birdies came on the par 5 6th and 14th holes, where he also posted first-round birdies.
Choi had five birdies Friday but the final hole has hampered him as he bogeyed it in both rounds. He had the birdies in the five holes from Nos. 11-15 to get within one of Garcia but slipped back when a five on the par 4 18th.
