Mike Weir takes one-shot lead in Hawaii

Kapalua, Hawaii -- Mike Weir sank an 18-foot birdie putt on the final hole Friday to take a one-shot lead midway through the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship in Hawaii.

Weir shot a 6-under 67 over the Kapalua Plantation Course for a two-day total of 8-under 138.

That was a shot better than Jonathan Byrd and Stephen Ames, and two in front of Brandt Snedeker and first-round leader Nick Watney.

Mark Calcavecchia shot the tournament's low round, a 66, to move into a share of sixth place at 141 with Justin Leonard, Aaron Baddeley, Daniel Chopra and U.S. Open champion Angel Cabrera.

The first tournament of the year on the PGA Tour is open only to winners on the circuit last season. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the world's top two ranked players, chose not to play.

Weir, who ended a three-year victory drought in 2007, eagled the par-5 ninth hole to highlight his round.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.