Date: January 05, 2008
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Baddeley backs it up

Aaron Baddeley&aposs early season form remains solid at the PGA Tour&aposs season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship. The Australian held firm to fire a second round 71 and move to five-under-par at the halfway point of the tournament. The field averaged 73.65 on Thursday, but the field, headed by Mike Weir, found the course there for the taking in the second round. Weir turned in a bogey-free second round to grab a one-shot lead. The Canadian carded a six-under-par 67 and is at eight-under 138 after 36 holes. Baddeley, who started the day tied for third, is in a share of sixth place with 36 holes remaining. He mixed three birdies with a lone bogey while Weir fired four birdies and an eagle on the Plantation Course at Kapalua, which is the lone par-73 layout on the PGA Tour. Canadian Stephen Ames and Jonathan Byrd are tied for second at seven-under. “It was easier out there with the wind not as strong,” Weir said. “I&aposm pretty happy. Things are going good so far for it being the first tournament of the season.” Brandt Snedeker (69) and Nick Watney (72), who led entering the second round, are tied for fourth at six-under 140. Defending champion Vijay Singh signed for a 70 and is tied for 17th at two-under.