Singh Leads By Two At Palmer Invitational; Tiger Seven Back

Orlando, FL (AHN) -- Vijay Singh has been so sick for the last two weeks that he's lost 18 pounds and almost decided not to play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, but after two days at Bay Hill he seems to be showing so ill effects of the stomach virus.

Singh, the tournament defending champion, shot a 5-under 65 on Friday to take a two-shot lead over Carl Pettersson. He's at 9-under 131 after two days.

Tiger Woods shot a 2-under 68 on Friday after an even-par 70 on Thursday and he is seven shots back.

First-round leader Fred Couples struggled with a 3-over 73 and fell to a tie for 20th. He's tied with Woods, along with six others. The biggest problem on Friday was rain.

There were no delays, but several players failed to make the 71-player cut at 2-over, including Luke Donald, Colin Montgomerie, Lee Janzen, Scott Verplank, Charles Howell, Stuart Appleby and last year's runner-up, Rocco Mediate.

Jim Furyk is tied for third at 6-under with Ken Duke and Lee Westwood - both three shots back.

Orlando native Cliff Kresge turned Friday's 68 into a tied for sixth with Tom Lehman, J.J. Henry and Vaughn Taylor.

Phil Mickelson shot a 67 on Friday and is at 1-under for the tournament.

Said Mickleson, "I need some help. I need some help so that the leaders don't run away."