Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009

Compiled from AP, Kyodo

SHANGHAI — Tiger Woods birdied five of his last 10 holes for another 5-under 67, giving him a share of the 36-hole lead with fellow American Nick Watney at the HSBC Champions.

Seven of the top nine players on the leaderboard at the final World Golf Championship of the year are from the United States. The possibility of another No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown looms with Phil Mickelson making three birdies over the last four holes for a 66 to finish one shot behind.

Woods has been runnerup twice at the HSBC Champions, and he put himself in contention again at Sheshan International. After consecutive holes of failing to make birdie with a wedge in his hand, he knocked in a 10-foot birdie on the ninth and was on his way.

"I certainly had some looks and didn't really capitalize on anything," Woods said. "Made a putt on 9 and from then on, I hit a lot of good putts and basically played the last 10 holes at 5 under."

Ryo Ishikawa, meanwhile, shot a 5-under 67 to climb into a tie for 10th.

The 18-year-old, who started the day in a share of 38th place, made an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys for a 5-under 139 total and shared 10th with compatriot Komei Oda and two others.

"Depending on how I do tomorrow, I can perhaps compete for the title. Today's round would be a confidence boost," said Ishikawa, who made four consecutive birdies from the fifth hole.

Shingo Katayama carded a 68 to improve to a tie for 37th, while Japanese money leader Yuta Ikeda shot his second consecutive 73 and dropped to a share of 55th at 2-over.

Woods reached the par-5 18th in two for one last birdie to catch Watney (70) at 10-under 134.

They were one shot clear of Mickelson, Ryan Moore (69) and Alvaro Quiros of Spain, who chose to lay up on the 18th instead of hitting 4-iron to the green because the putting surfaces were firm and quick. He had to settle for a par and a 66.

Another shot behind was Anthony Kim, who made eagle on the 18th for a 69, while yet another American, Pat Perez, made a bogey on his final hole for a 69 that put him at 7-under 137.

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