Furyk stays two clear

Jim Furyk: hot putter has been the key for former US Open champion

Jim Furyk retained his two-shot lead over the field at the Bridgestone Invitational after following his opening 63 with a second round 66 at Firestone.

The 42-year-old American made five birdies and a bogey - and needed just 26 putts over the South Course - and at the half-way stage in Ohio is two strokes clear of Rafael Cabrera Bello.

The Spaniard has had rounds of 66 and 65 having overcome a stomach virus earlier in the week.

Cabrera Bello was so weak on Tuesday that he had to abandon a practice session after hitting only 25 balls and two days later was unable to digest his breakfast as he set off for the opening round.

The 27-year-old has made just a single bogey in 36 holes and he said: "Unfortunately my stomach is still no good. But I played really good today. It just went smooth the entire round."

Furyk had led by two from Lee Slattery after the first round but the Englishman slipped back after a 71 on Friday. He is now in a tie for eighth, a shot behind Luke Donald (69).

It was also a disappointing second day for pre-tournament favourite Tiger Woods. The world No.2 has had rounds of 70 and 72 and is 13 shots adrift of Furyk.

Woods, a seven-time winner of this event, only hit 10 greens in regulation but blamed his mediocre form on putting.

Streaky

He said: "I get in these little spells where it's hot or cold. Generally, I was a decent putter over the years but lately it's been very streaky. I'm either making everything or I make nothing."

Woods has used his putter 11 times more than Furyk so far.

England's Simon Dyson dropped back after his opening 66 with a disappointing 71. He dropped shots at seven and 11 and, although he birdied 12 and 13, a bogey at the last spoilt his round.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is tied for 12th alongside Dyson after an encouraging round of 67 saw him surge up the leader board.

The former US Open champion was in trouble after double-bogeying the first and, although he birdied holes two and six, it was the back nine where the 23-year-old really impressed.

The world number three birdied 11 and 12 and, after a five at the par-four 14th, finished strongly with further birdies at 16 and 18.