Choi maintains lead at Sony

HONOLULU -- A different week, a different island and a much different view for K.J. Choi.

Seven days ago, Choi was bringing up the rear in the Mercedes-Benz Championship, last among 31 winners at Kapalua going into the weekend. On Friday, he closed with three straight birdies for a 5-under 65 and a 2-shot lead in the Sony Open.

Kevin Na was the only player in the afternoon to make a move, making 7 birdies in a round of 64.

Stephen Marino was atop the leaderboard for most of the morning until his momentum stalled with a bogey on the easiest hole, although he recovered for a 67 and was 3 shots behind.

Fred Funk finished birdie-eagle for a 64 to put him at 7-under 133 with Jimmy Walker (68).

Heath Slocum (69) was among a group at 134 that included Alejandro Canizares. Steve Stricker, at No. 3 the highest-ranked player in the field at the Sony Open, shot 65 to get himself back in the game at 4-under 136.

Winfield native Kevin Streelman made the cut in his first tournament as a PGA Tour member, shooting a 69 Friday for a 3-under 137 total. Streelman is a product of Wheaton Warrenville South High School.