McDowell takes second round lead

Last updated: 1st December 2012

Graeme McDowell moved to the front of the pack in the second round of the World Golf Challenge in California.

McDowell bettered a first round 69 with a six-under 66, moving three shots clear at the front and nine under overall.

"A good day's work," said McDowell, "I would love to compete and play well this weekend, really to kind of put a little icing on what's been a mediocre year. Despite the fact that I feel like I've played some decent golf this year, I really don't have a lot to show for myself, and this would be a nice way to finish."

McDowell started strongly with three successive birdies. He dropped a shot at the par-four seventh, but added four more birdies on the back nine. He finished ahead of Bo Van Pelt, Jim Furyk and Keegan Bradley, who are tied for second on six under.

Behind them is host Tiger Woods, who dropped shots at eight and 15 but recovered with four birdies in five holes to sign for a 69. Overnight leader Nick Watney, who shot 67 on day one, slipped to five shots off the lead with a 73.

"Just a terrible way to finish, but we're only halfway through," said Watney. "So we'll see if we can make a charge at those guys in the morning."