Ernie Els took advantage of his early tee time to post a bogey free seven under par 65 to take the clubhouse lead in the Bay Hill Invitational, presented by Cooper Tires, in Orlando Florida, where play was halted for nearly five hours due to bad weather.
The South African finished on five under at 139 at the halfway stage of the event, withTiger Woods only a stroke behind after seven holes when play was halted by darkness.
The world number one was among half the field who were unable to complete his round, which will resume on Saturday.
While golf's two heavyweights moved into position for a possible weekend showdown, Aaron Baddeley was the leader on the course at six under after just three holes when play was halted.
The 22-year-old Australian made good use of his short day's work, making birdie at every hole he played.
