Clarke is two shots adrift

A level-par round of 70 kept Darren Clarke in contention on day two of the NEC Invitational at Akron.

The Irishman had a turbulent time, mixing birdies with bogies in testing conditions.

But he escaped unscathed to finish on five under for the tournament, two shots off the pace of leaders David Toms and Chris Riley, who both posted rounds of 67.

American Fred Funk made up most ground by firing an incredible 62, one shy of the course record.

He joined Fijian Vijay Singh one shot adrift at the top of the leaderboard.

But world number one Tiger Woods fared less well, falling back late in the day to lie on three-under for the tournament.

I know Tiger has been saying he has had a lot of bad luck lately, but I saw that for myself today Darren Clarke on Woods

Playing partners Clarke and Woods both ran into trouble at the 16th hole, carding a pair of sixes.

"The wind picked up from the 11th, which made it very tough.

"I didn't help myself, though, because I put in a few poor swings. But I was pleased I ground it out at the last two.

"I always enjoy playing with Tiger. I know he has been saying he has had a lot of bad luck lately, but I saw that for myself today.

"I am still in a good position. I have got to tighten up a bit and try to make a few better swings."

Overnight leaders Ben Curtis and Sergio Garcia dropped off the pace after rounds of 76.

Reno-Tahoe Open

Tim Herron shot a seven-under-par 65 to move into the lead on 10 under in the rain-delayed second round.

Herron, seeking his first win on the PGA Tour in four years, was one stroke ahead of Craig Barlow, who also had a second-round 65.