Tiger stalks crown to his own tourney

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Vijay Singh got hot in the middle of his round, which was quite an accomplishment at the bone-chilling Williams World Challenge.

Singh, who honed his game in the steamy of jungle of Borneo, bundled up and birdied five straight holes on his way to a 6-under 66 on Friday, giving him a one-stroke lead over tournament host Tiger Woods at Sherwood Country Club.

Singh, one of four players in the 18-man field who didn't win on his home tour this year, was at 134 and had only one complaint.

"I didn't like the weather," he said.

What was to like?

It was foggy and cold, then rainy and cold and finally windy and cold. Temperatures stayed in the 40s most of the afternoon, not exactly what anyone expected when they accepted Tiger's invitation to Southern California to play for $1 million.

"I don't believe anyone mentioned this weather in the brochure," David Duval cracked as he walked down the fourth fairway in a light, steady rain that came down sideways.

Woods blew into his hands before putting. It worked OK, especially when he made four birdies on the back nine for a 67.

"I'm still numb," said Woods, who changed clothes three times -- from rain jacket to waterproof vest to turtleneck to sweater. "It was a tough day mentally and physically."

Fred Couples, the co-leader with Mark O'Meara after the first round managed a 71 and was three strokes behind at 137, along with Bernhard Langer. O'Meara shot a 74 and was at 140.