Bob Estes shot a 67 to match his first-round 66 to take over sole leadership of the Nissan Open at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles yesterday.

The Texan had shared the lead with David Duval at the beginning of the day, but his nine-under-par total moved him clear of Duval, who fell back with a second-round 71 to a five-under 137, which he shared with a number of players, including Tiger Woods.

Davis Love III carved out a superb 65 to join a number of players only one shot behind Estes on eight under, including the highest-placed non-American Ernie Els.

Estes's only Tour win was in 1994 Texas Open. After the first round he said: "I've been shooting plenty of good scores but I've got a long way to go to get up with those guys," referring to Duval and Woods.