Choi (65) takes two-shot lead in Honolulu

K.J. Choi closed with three consecutive birdies for a five-under-par 65 Friday to take a two-shot lead over Kevin Na in the Sony Open at Honolulu.

Choi was at 11-under 129. Na was the only player in the afternoon to make a move, making seven birdies in a round of 64.

Stephen Marino was atop the leaderboard for most of the day until he bogeyed the par-five ninth. But he recovered for a 67 and was three shots behind.

Phil Mickelson, who has won the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic twice in the last six years, isn’t playing the tournament next week. The highest-ranked player in the 128-player field is No. 24 Scott Verplank. The only other player ranked in the top 30 who is entered is No. 25 Stewart Cink.

Mickelson, ranked No. 2, was 45th in the Hope last year and shot 78 on a wind-blown last day at the Classic Club, where Charley Hoffman won. Mickelson won in 2002 and 2004.

Hoffman will be back to defend his title. Recent Hope champions Chad Campbell (2006), Justin Leonard (2005) and Mike Weir (2003) are also in the field.

The 90-hole tournament begins Wednesday at the Classic Club, the Palmer Course at PGA West, La Quinta and SilverRock.

-- Thomas Bonk