"I'm very happy with the way I'm playing. I'm putting very well," said the 32-year-old, who is on four-under with Mark Brooks and JL Lewis.

"I'm tied for the lead, but there's a lot of players yet to finish.

"I was trying to attack flags where I can. The course is in great condition. It played a lot softer than yesterday."

Pre-tournament favourite Tiger Woods was bullish about his prospects, despite nearly missing the halfway cut.

"If I can play something like Brooksy (joint leader JL Brooks), I can get myself back into the tournament," said Woods, who is on five over.

"I was up at 4.30am and when I got to the course the driving range was not even open, so I had to just think about it.

"I was not thinking about the cut because I am not in control of that. I was just concentrating to trying as hard as I could.

"But I just did not hit it as crisp as I would have liked. I feel I'm putting well, but most of them have been for pars so far.

"I have had to save myself from divots, bunkers, rough, you name it.

"But if I can get back to level par after another 18 or 27 holes you never know."

Spain's Sergio Garcia continued his overall solid play and moved into contention on two under with a two under 68.

"I think I have a great chance to win because I am playing very well now," said Garcia, who finished as darkness was falling.

"I'm a much better player now than before and I know where the ball is going.

"Tomorrow is a very important and I need to play well to keep myself up there and have a good position for Sunday."

Colin Montgomerie ended the day one over but had a few regrets about his round.

"It's just a shame I three-putted the 14th and 16th," he said. "You can win from one over here, but I have to hole some more putts.

"I was watching Tiger behind me and it was interesting to see where he was going. Expect fireworks tomorrow!"