In-form Snedeker maintained his lead in San Diego

ROUND TWO LEADERBOARD
(US unless stated):
-13 B Snedeker
-10 C Howell III
-9 B Haas, R Beem, C Wi (Kor)
-8 K Sutherland, DJ Brigman
Selected others:
-6 T Woods
-4 P Mickelson, I Poulter (Eng)
-3 J Rose (Eng)

PGA Tour rookie Brandt Snedeker stole the limelight from Tiger Woods for the second day in a row by retaining his lead at the Buick Invitational.

Leading by two shots overnight, the 26-year-old from Nashville fired a two-under-par 70 to forge three shots clear at 13 under in San Diego.

World number one Woods carded a 72, also on the more difficult South Course, to finish seven off the pace.

Charles Howell III lies second with a nine-birdie 64 on the North Course.

Fellow Americans Bill Haas (66) and Rich Beem (68) were a further stroke back in a tie for third.

In order for me to win the tournament, I've got to shoot something in the 60s Tiger Woods

Englishmen Ian Poulter (68) and Justin Rose (73) remain in touch on four and three under par respectively, with Phil Mickelson also four under after an impressive 66.

Snedeker, who fired a career-best 61 in Thursday's opening round, set the tone for another memorable day when he holed a 40-footer to birdie the par-three 3rd.

Out in one-under 35, he sandwiched further birdies on 12 and 15 around a bogey at the 14th before narrowly missing a another birdie attempt from eight feet at the last.

"I didn't drive it very well today at all but it was fun, I had a blast," said Snedeker after missing 11 fairways out of 14.

"I hit some great iron shots out there and the crowd was unbelievable. I thought that's what it must feel like to be Tiger Woods."

Four-times champion Woods, made a stumbling start by bogeying the par-four 2nd after being bunkered off the tee and also with his approach.

He parred the next three holes before picking up his first shot of the day at the 560-yard 6th, where he rolled in a 15-footer.

Although he made consecutive birdies on 13 and 14, he found greenside bunkers at the 11th and 14th to remain level for the round.

"The greens were very interesting out there," Woods said.

"You definitely don't want to leave yourself with too many three-footers. But I felt comfortable with my swing and was able to control the shape and flight."

He added: "In order for me to win the tournament, I've got to shoot something in the 60s."