Battling Woods moves into contention in Illinois

LEMONT, Illinois, Sep 8 (Reuters) World number one Tiger Woods birdied two of his final four holes to move within a shot of second round co-leaders Aaron Baddeley of Australia and American Jonathan Byrd at the BMW Championships.

Chasing a fourth career title at the Cog Hill Golf and Country Club and a chance to take over top spot in the FedExCup standings heading into next week's season-finale, Woods grinded out a four-under 67 on a soggy, blustery afternoon yesterday to put the pressure on the two front-runners.

Adding to a sleepless night for the co-leaders will be Briton Justin Rose (69), Colombia's Camilo Villegas (69) and American Steve Stricker (66) who all joined Woods on eight-under 134.

Australia's Baddeley had the round of the day, mixing eight birdies with a pair of bogeys for a six-under 65 to grab a share of top spot alongside Byrd at nine-under 133.

Byrd, who had held a one shot lead overnight, stayed in contention with a two-under 69 keeping alive his hopes of qualifying for one of 30 spots available at next week's 7 million dollars Tour Championship.

Woods, tournament winner in 1997, 1999 and 2003, got his round off to a quiet start with five straight pars, but began to inch his way towards the top of the leaderboard picking up shots at six and nine then rolling in a 35-foot birdie putt on 11.

A bogey at the 14th provided the only blemish on the 13-time major winner's scorecard before Woods continued to creep up on the leaders closing with two more birdies on 15 and 17.

HEAVY RAIN ''I hit the ball really well coming in,'' Woods told reporters yesterday. ''I felt really good with my putter and hopefully I can put both of them together tomorrow for 18 holes.'' Baddeley had just gotten his round underway when heavy rain delayed play for almost three hours.

The interruption had little impact on the Australian, who returned to the waterlogged layout and reeled off three consecutive birdies.

''I came back and started nicely, I was pleased with that,'' said Baddeley. ''When it's a little softer you can be a little more aggressive and go at the pins.'' Villegas also got the day off to a bright start, carding four birdies through 12 holes to climb into the lead.

The Colombian's perfect day ended with a thud, however, when he took a double-bogey at the par four fourth.

This week's field was limited to 70 players but FedExCup points leader Phil Mickelson is a notable absentee after deciding to spend extra time with family.

The top 30 in the standings will qualify for the 7 million dollars Tour Championship where a million bonus in deferred compensation will be earned by the overall points champion.

REUTERS BJR HT1010