Campbell takes over lead after rain delay

Chad Campbell carded a pretty score on an ugly day with a bogey-free six-under 65 to grab the second round clubhouse lead at the Nissan Open on Friday.

Unfazed by a four-hour rain delay and cool, drizzly conditions at the Riviera Country Club, the 30-year-old American carded six birdies to reach nine-under-par 133 after 36 holes for a three-shot advantage.

Overnight leader and Tour rookie Brian Davis of Britain was among six golfers who never began their rounds and will spend another night tied at six-under in a three-way tie for second with Australia's Robert Allenby and American Kevin Sutherland.

World number two Tiger Woods and two-time defending champion Mike Weir began the day two shots off the lead, but were heading in opposite directions when play was called due to darkness.

Woods, who needs to finish no worse than outright fourth at this $4.8 million event to reclaim top spot in the rankings from Vijay Singh, began smartly with a birdie on the first to sit on five-under with four holes completed.

Britain's Darren Clarke and Luke Donald and Australia's Adam Scott and Stephen Leaney and American Rocco Mediate are also at five-under.

While Woods considers this his home event, it is the only tournament he has entered more than four times and never won.

Trying to become the first player to win three successive titles here, Weir struggled in the California rain and tumbled down the leaderboard with a two-over 73, seven shots of the pace.

Allenby, who has missed the cut in three of the four events he has entered this season got a dark day off to a bright start with an eagle at his first and finished with two birdies to vault into contention.

"I got away to a good start, eagle on the first is good," Allenby said. "I got a bit rough in the middle but then birdied the last two.

In all, 72 players were unable to finish their second rounds and they will return at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday to complete their first 36 holes.

More rain is forecast for the weekend but tournament officials are hopeful the event can be completed on Sunday.

Email this page to a friend | Return to top of page