AKRON: Ireland’s Padraig Harrington played conservatively to retain the lead after Friday’s

second round of the $8.5 million World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational.

After shooting a brilliant 64 on Thursday, Harrington was solid rather than spectacular at Firestone Country Club, picking up just two birdies and one

bogey in a one-under-par 69. The Irishman posted a seven-under 133 total.

Harrington enjoyed a one-shot edge over South African Tim Clark, who shot a 68, with veteran American Scott Verplank two strokes behind after a 69. World No 1 Tiger Woods, a six-time winner at Firestone, shot a reasonable 70 to remain within striking distance, five shots back in a share of 13th.

Harrington has been mired in a slump this season while working on some swing changes. He knows that some have questioned why he decided to change something that was working so well, but has never been one to listen to critics. Harrington hasn’t recorded a top-10 finish since January, but he can see some light at the end of the tunnel at last.

Woods, who also has gone backwards to go forward during a couple of swing reconstructions in his career, said he admired Harrington’s commitment.

Jerry Kelly and Alvaro Quiros shot 65 on a day when the field averaged 70.7 strokes, just a fraction less than during the first round.