Disney delight for Verplank

Verplank: home in 30

Children's Miracle Network Classic
Second round leaders
US unless stated
-16 S Verplank
-13 T Matteson
-13 S Marino
-12 R Gamez
-12 T Ridings
-12 R Garridus

Related links

News

• CMN Classic collated scores
• Super Marino makes his move
• Matteson leads in Florida
• Ames set for Disney defence

Report

• Love claims Miracle win

Also see

• US Tour Schedule
• World Rankings
• Golf live on Sky Sports

Scott Verplank scorched to a second-round 64 to move into a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Children's Miracle Network Classic in Florida.

The 44-year-old Texan - chasing his first title since last year's Byron Nelson Championship - started the day in a tie for second and got a fast start with a birdie at the first.

He had his only slip-up of the front nine with a bogey at four but bounced back with birdies at six and seven to be out in 34.

It was on the back nine where the former Ryder Cup player really caught fire, five birdies and an eagle three at 14 getting him to 17-under, before he dropped a shot at the last.

But that was good enough for a three-shot lead over fellow Americans Steve Marino and Troy Matteson.

First round leader Matteson had to settle for a 68, while 25-year-old Scottish rookie Martin Laird is the top European at halfway.

The Glaswegian climbed from joint 28th overnight into a share of 13th after a six-under 66.

Down in 133rd on the Money List, Laird needs a big week to retain his playing priviliges for next season.

Defending champion Stephen Ames from Canada is eight strokes off the lead after carding a second 68.

The cut fell at five-under 139, with Swedes Fredrik Jacobson and Jesper Parnevik among those missing out.