Defending champion Vijay Singh, fresh off induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame, is confident despite a one-stroke deficit entering the third round of the five million-dollar PGA Houston Open. The 42-year-old Fijian, who won his 25th US PGA crown in January at Hawaii, fired a one-under par 71 here on Friday on the heels of his course-record 64 and fell a stroke behind Australia's Gavin Coles and American Brett Quigley.
But second-ranked Singh was not concerned about chasing two rivals who have never won a PGA event.
Singh stood on nine-under par 135 after 36 holes and saw his streak of bogey-free holes here end at 64 wih a bogey at the par-5 ninth.
Coles, a US PGA rookie in 2003 before falling off the US tour last season, fired five birdies against two bogeys in a round of 69 after an opening 65. The 36-year-old Aussie's best showing of 2005 was a share of 17th in Tucson in February.
Quigley, whose best finish this year was a tie for fifth, fired a second consecutive 67, with four birdies and two bogeys on his back nine - his first nine - before three birdies on the front side, including one at the ninth.
Joining Singh on 135 in a share of third were Americans Joe Ogilvie, Jeff Maggert and John Daly, the 1995 British Open winner whose battles with alcohol and long-driving skills have made him a fan favourite.
Daly missed the cut in his previous two events and has finished no higher than 17th this season. But he recorded seven birdies and two bogeys on his way to a 67 after an opening 68.
Daly has not won a US PGa crown since the 2004 Buick Invitational.
Daly showed signs of fixing his putting woes with four putts from eight feet or beyond in the second round.