Tiger Woods survived a sliding tackle from a security guard before staging his own late charge at the Masters.
The American superstar is a shot off the halfway lead held by five Major champions - including Ryder Cup hero Francesco Molinari - to set up a thrilling weekend in Augusta.
But amid the fan frenzy, his bid for a first Major for 11 years was nearly ended by a bizarre incident at the 14th.
After an afternoon rain delay, the former world No.1 played out from the trees and a security guard raced over to protect him only to slip and kick his right ankle.
Woods hopped away in pain – but then walked to the green and drained a 28-feet birdie putt before birdieing 15 to shoot a 68.
The American won his 14th Major at the 2008 US Open – and won his fourth Green Jacket here in 2005.
Open champion Molinari is on seven-under par along with Aussies Jason Day and Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen and Brooks Koepka.
The Masters 2019: Watch as Tiger Woods is almost injured by marshall
Ian Poulter, who was cheered on at Augusta National by Alan Shearer, is the top British player two shots back.
Tommy Fleetwood is at two-under par after his second 71.
But world No.1 Justin Rose missed the Masters cut for the first time ever after he bogeyed three of his last four holes, including missing a four-foot par putt at the 18th.
Molinari's highest finish at Augusta is 19th but he is a man transformed over the past year.
“I feel a massive difference when I'm on the greens or around the greens compared to my previous times here,” he said.
Zach Johnson knocks ball off tee during practice swing at The Masters
But world No.1 Justin Rose missed the Masters cut for the first time ever after he bogeyed three of his last four holes, including missing a four-foot par putt at the 18th.
The world No.1 had opened with a 75 but started with two birdies and was sitting comfortably inside the cut-mark when he eagled No.13 to come into one-over par.
But as the leaders moved to seven-under par – meaning the 10-shot rule moved the cut-line to three-over par – Rose wilted in the closing holes to card a 73 to move to four-over.
“The goal today was to make the cut,” he said. “I've been playing terribly this week, but there's always pride in trying to make it. I've never missed a cut here.
“Looked good at 12 and 13. Middle of the fairway on 15, should be an easy birdie to get back to even par. If you get into the red you're still in the tournament. But terrible finish, and a disappointing miss.
“I had a chance there with the ten-shot rule. Missed a four footer at the last, which just sums it up."
Woods, meanwhile, survived a scare on the 14th when a marshall almost took him out as the American finished just one shot off the lead.
Top 10 after day two
T1 A. Scott -7
T1 F. Molinari -7
T1 J. Day -7
T1 B. Koepka -7
T1 L. Oosthuizen -7
T6 J. Harding -6
T6 D. Johnson -6
T6 T. Woods -6
T9 I. Poulter -5
T9 J Rahm -5
T9 X. Schauffele -5
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