David Duval was one of the high movers on a day of low scores as a round of 66 left him in the frame on 10-under-par.

The world number two admitted he was troubled by a back injury in Friday's play but he showed few signs of any discomfort in a bogey-free round.

He started his charge with a birdie at the 4th and picked up three more shots before the turn.

He closed in style, parring the Road Hole for the first time and making a birdie at 18 to cap his day.

Incredibly Duval has not won a title since April last year but he said: "In the last few weeks I feel like my game is back to where it was.

"I feel I am now capable of winning this and other tournaments.

"It's frustrating to have gone so long without a win but, to be honest, my game hasn't quite been up to it for one reason or another."

Up-and-down day

Thomas Bjorn meanwhile endured an up-and-down day on the Old Course as he moved into a share of second spot but will feel he could have been closer to Tiger Woods.

The Dane started the day with a birdie to go joint third and three holes later was in outright second after another before David Toms moved ahead of him.

A missed three-footer at nine knocked him back and other chances were missed.

But a pitch to eight feet at the 14th got him back on track and he finished on 10-under-par thanks to a 68.

Bjorn however believes that Tiger is destined for the title, and is realistically aiming for second place at best.

"There are only great names on that leaderboard and I'm quite happy to be in there with them," he said.

"But there's no doubt that we're playing for second place. Tiger has brought his A-game and the only thing that can get to him is nerves."