Davis Love shot a six under par 66 in the second round to take three shot lead at the halfway stage of the Western Open yesterday.

Eight birdies and only tow dropped shots left Love three clear on 135 on Brandel Chamblee, who shot a five-under-par 67.

For the first time, the Western is being used as a British Open qualifier with the top eight finishers who are not already exempt earning their place at Royal Lytham in two weeks.

One of the nice benefits of playing well here is you get into the British Open, Chamblee said after posting an eight-under 136 halfway total.

Tiger Woods who double-bogeyed the final hole on Thursday, bounced back with a 68 to pull within six strokes of the lead.

First round pacesetter Mark Wiebe did not fare as well, carding 74 to fall three shots off the pace.