Verplank cruising into weekend at Disney World

Nov 8, 2008 - 12:52 PM KISSIMMEE, Florida (Ticker) - Scott Verplank is in control at the Children's Miracle Network Classic entering the third round on Saturday.

Verplank on Friday sank a long eagle putt en route to his second straight 8-under-par 64 and a three-stroke lead over Steve Marino and Troy Matteson after two rounds.

Only a bogey at the 18th hole prevented Verplank from shooting a 29 on the back side. He is at 16-under 128 for this $4.6 million event, the final tournament of the year which is being played on the Magnolia and Palm courses at Walt Disney World.

Entering the second round one stroke off the lead, Verplank went ahead with an eagle on No. 14. He followed that up with consecutive birdies at Nos. 15-17 to open a four-shot cushion before the hiccup at 18.

Verplank, who has just two top-10 finishes on the year, is seeking his sixth PGA Tour victory. His last win came at the Byron Nelson Championship in 2007.

First-round leader Matteson could not match his torrid opening 63, but he carded a 4-under 68 to join Marino at 13-under 131.

Matteson had seven birdies and two bogeys Friday to keep him in the hunt for his first victory of the year. His only other tour win was in 2006 at the Frys.com Open.

Marino, who is seeking his first career victory, surged up the leaderboard with a 6-under 66, his second straight bogey-free round.

Robert Gamez (67), Tag Ridings (66) and Robert Garrigus (67) are another shot back at 12-under 132.

Bob Estes and Scott Sterling each signed for a bogey-free 63 and are part of a six-man group at 133.

Bob Tway had the low round of the day and tournament, reeling off 11 birdies for a 10-under 62, moving to 135 for the tournament.

Defending champion Stephen Ames of Canada, looking for his first win of the season, carded his second straight 68 and is eight shots back.

Among those tied with Ames was Ryan Palmer, who won the Ginn Sur Mer Classic last week. Palmer vaulted into contention with a 65 that included a pair of eagles on the front nine.

First prize is $828,000.