PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida — American PGA Tour rookie Luke Guthrie shot a sparkling seven-under 63 for a one-stroke lead after the second round of the Honda Classic Friday, while world No. 1 Rory McIlroy abruptly withdrew citing a toothache. Tiger Woods struggled to a second consecutive even-par 70 that left him one shot from missing the cut and nine strokes behind the lead going into Saturday's third round. Guthrie, 23, was flawless as he carded seven birdies at PGA National to move into the driver's seat with a one-stroke lead over compatriot Michael Thompson (65). Canadian Graham DeLaet (68) and American Boo Weekley (67) were a further shot off the pace. But the attention was all on McIlroy, who pulled out on his ninth hole after a nightmare start to his second round, dropping seven shots from his opening eight holes with a triple-bogey, a double-bogey and two bogeys. The Northern Irishman, who before the tournament conceded he was adjusting to his Nike clubs after switching from Titleist in January and had also complained of swing troubles, released a statement saying he had severe wisdom tooth pain. With McIlroy gone and Woods out of contention, there was an unfamilar look atop the leaderboard, and those concerned with ratings will hope some of the seasoned names can put themselves in the frame for Sunday's final round. Britain's Lee Westwood (68) and Australian Geoff Ogilvy (66) put themselves in contention as they are part of a group of six players sitting three shots back of Guthrie. Four-way tie at Tshwane A four-way tie at the top of the leaderboard has set up a thrilling final round of South Africa's Tshwane Open. South Africans Darren Fichardt, Charl Coetzee and Dawie van der Walt will start the fourth round level on 16-under-par with Chilean Mark Tullo after an extended Saturday that saw 53 players complete their second round in the early morning. There was another rain interruption that kept the players off the Copperleaf Golf and Country Estate course at Centurion for two hours, before the final threesome completed their third rounds in fading light. Fichardt birdied the last three holes for an eight-under-par 64 to take his share of the lead. It is the best round of the championship so far as the 37-year-old seeks back-to-back wins in South Africa following his victory in the Africa Open in East London a fortnight ago. Tullo and Van der Walt both carded 67s. — Agencies
