Tiger slips on back nine

Tiger Woods struggled over the difficult final stretch to slip one stroke from the lead after the second round at the 6.4 million Quail Hollow Championship on Friday.

Woods was far from his best for most of the round,and it finally caught up to him as he bogeyed the par-four 16th and 18th holes,yet still posted an even-par 72 to finish the second round in a four-way tie for third. Woods is one stroke behind long-hitting American Bubba Watson,who stormed home in 30 strokes,and South Africas Retief Goosen on eight-under 136. I didnt hit it very well, said Woods,who is tied with Zach Johnson 67,Jim Furyk 66 and George McNeill 68 on seven-under 137. I didnt drive the ball particularly well,didnt hit my irons as well as Id like.

Watson was not even assured of making the cut at the turn,before he recorded four birdies and an eagle on the front nine,his inward half,to shoot 65,the days best score.