Watney thrilled with Woods' 67, ready to play with him in Round 3

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Nick Watney shot 2-under 70 to Tiger Woods' 5-under 67 Friday, and he's excited to see what he can do in Round 3.

SHANGHAI -- Nick Watney was rooting hard for Tiger Woods as he hopped on a golf cart en route to the media center on Friday afternoon. His second-round 70 had given him the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions clubhouse lead at 10 under.

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"Go Tiger," the affable California native said under his breath. Why? "I want to play with Tiger tomorrow," Watney said. "I've played with him in practice rounds but never in a tournament."

While there is no handbook to playing with 2009 FedExCup champion Woods, every PGA TOUR player knows what to expect. How they deal with it is another matter.

"I want to learn to deal with the crowds, the cameras, all the pressure that goes with it," Watney said. "The more experience I get in these situations, that can only help me in the future, especially at a major."

Watney got his wish as Woods birdied two of his three final holes for a second consecutive 67 to match the clubhouse lead. The duo will play Saturday's round with Ryan Moore, who is playing in his first World Golf Championship.

Earlier this season, Watney was paired with Phil Mickelson in the final round of the World Golf Championship-CA Championship as the duo shared the 54-hole lead. He fell just one shot short of Mickelson, leaving a tying birdie putt on the 72nd hole one rotation short of the cup. That evening, he was disappointed, if not philosophical after the runner-up finish.

"I've dreamed of moments like this, and in my dreams, it just comes out a little different," Watney said.

As for Saturday's expectations, Watney will play true to his nature -- even keeled.

"I'm excited about playing with Tiger tomorrow, but at the same time, there are two rounds left, and there are 77 great players in this field I have to beat, not just one," he said. "I will have to play good, smart golf and not try and do things I'm not capable of."

After this week's HSBC Champions event, Watney will return to his home in Las Vegas for two weeks before heading back to China for the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup, where he will represent the United States with partner John Merrick at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen.

"John and I have the same personalities, sort of laid back, and we're both from California," said Watney. "I think we will make a good team. We've talked about getting together to practice together and play some alternate shot. I hope we can make that happen and make a strong run at the World Cup."

With 36-holes remaining, Watney remains focused on one piece of hardware at a time. Up first, the HSBC Champions trophy, which he hopes to hoist on Sunday afternoon.