WASHINGTON – Akshay Bhatia stayed on course for his first Major after using two late birdies to sign for a second-round 70 on April 5, giving him a healthy five-stroke lead heading into the weekend at the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio.

The American, who is on 11-under 133, matched his career-low PGA round with a 63 in the first round on April 4 and struggled to follow up well but stayed well ahead of the pack.