SHANGHAI: Francesco Molinari built an early lead Friday and then hung on for a 2-under 70 to maintain his one-shot lead over world No. 1 Lee Westwood heading into the weekend at the HSBC Champions.

Westwood made a late surge, again hitting driver onto the par-4 16th green to set up a birdie and will be in the final group with his Ryder Cup teammate at Sheshan International.

Molinari was at 9-under 135.

Tiger Woods, bumped from his top ranking for the first time in more than five years, struggled to a 72. He was so frustrated on the 18th with a hooked drive that he let his club fall to the ground, then kicked it about 5 yards in front of the tee box. He was five shots behind.

Ernie Els made one last birdie for a 65 that left him two shots behind, along with Richard Ramsay and Jaco Van Zyl.