Sabbatini shares Nelson lead

Sabbatini's most recent win came two years ago at the Colonial Invitation, which will be contested next week. He fired a 6-under 64 on another day of low scoring at the TPC-Four Seasons Resort course, getting him to 8-under 132 at the tournament's midway point.

After a pair of top-10 finishes, including a tie for second in New Orleans, Sabbatini has missed the cut in his last two tournaments.

Mallinger, who equaled his best tour finish with a tie for third two weeks ago at the Players Championship, had two eagles Friday en route to a 65. His eagles came on the course's two par-5s -- the seventh and 16th.

Brian Davis, James Nitties, Briny Baird, James Driscoll and Dustin Johnson were all a shot back. Johnson is 12th on the FedEx Cup points list and will be the highest ranking player on that list competing on the weekend.

There were 15 players within three shots of the lead, including Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples.

Couples, who shot a 66 Friday for a 135 total, will turn 50 on Oct. 3.

It took a score of 1-under 139 to make the cut and among those missing it were defending champion Adam Scott, Masters runner-up Chad Campbell and Anthony Kim.

Scott failed to survive the cut by two shots after suffering a triple bogey and double bogey in a round of 71 Friday. He has missed the cut in six straight events.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.