Els endures gusts, takes two-stroke lead in Genuity

MIAMI -- Even with 25 mph gusts making the Blue Monster play two strokes harder, the Big Easy made it look like a breeze Friday in the Genuity Championship.

Ernie Els saved par from thick rough behind the 18th green to polish off a 5-under 67 and take a two-stroke lead over Briny Baird going into the weekend, with Tiger Woods lurking four strokes back and in contention for the first time this year.

Woods was in the group at 137 after an adventurous 2-under 70, the first time he has broken par in the second round this year. Only four strokes behind, it is the closest he has been to the leaders through 36 holes this year.

Women's Australian Open

At Melbourne, Australia's Karrie Webb shot an even-par 72 for a share of the second-round lead with Norway's Suzann Pettersen.

Malaysian Open

At Kuala Lumpur, Scotland's Alastair Forsyth shot a 6-under 65 in hot and humid conditions to take a one-stroke lead over Spain's Miguel Angel Martin.

SBC Senior Classic

At Santa Clarita, Calif., Tom Purtzer made his fourth senior start and shot a 2-under 70 in windy conditions to take the first-round lead.

Takefuji Classic

At Waikoloa, Hawaii, Kasumi Fujii shot a 9-under 61 to take a two-stroke lead over defending champion Lorie Kane during the second round of the season-opening event.

-- From wire services