• Tampa Bay Championship, Round Two

Stefani holds lead as Donald fades at Tampa Bay

ESPN staff
March 15, 2013
Shawn Stefani admitted to struggling on the second day of the event © Getty Images
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Tampa Bay Championship leaderboard

Shawn Stefani maintained his lead at the top of the leaderboard on day two of the Tampa Bay Championship after shooting a one-under par 70, but England's Luke Donald continued to fade.

The 31-year-old Stefani had a fine opening day on Thursday after registering a six-under 65, but following his second-round score the gap has now been closed. He now leads by one stroke over Adam Scott and KJ Choi.

Scott made the most of Stefani failing to carry on from where he left off in the first round by firing a five-under 66 and arguably has more momentum heading into the weekend.

"Just had a really nice feeling going that day, whatever it was, and I managed to get through the whole shag bag of balls hitting every chip the same," Scott, the current Australian Masters champion, said.

"Everything was very controlled and consistent. … I've felt my confidence grow on the course with the pitching and chipping."

Having seen his healthy lead slashed, Stefani admitted to finding the going tough on the second day of the event.

"Today was a little bit more of a struggle," he said. "Didn't really drive it super great. Didn't hit some of the best iron shots. But I scrambled well and I putted really great. When you putt good, that usually keeps rounds going, and that's pretty much what happened today."

Harris English, Brian Harman, Jason Dufner and Peter Tomasulo are one shot behind Scott and are all tied for third spot on the leaderboard. Defending champion Donald finished on one-over for the day.

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