Mickelson in Major hunt as Tiger is back on the prowl

Mickelson held the clubhouse lead for several hours before being caught late in the day by Japan’s Shigeki Maruyama, who had to settle for a two-under 68 after dropping a shot at the last. Twice champion Ernie Els, boosted by four consecutive birdies from the fifth, flirted with the lead before slipping back into a tie for sixth at three-under 137 with a 67.

World No.1 Tiger Woods, once again errant off the tee, battled for his first 13 holes before birdies at five and six lifted him to a 69, and a share of 18th at one over. Sixty-six players made the halfway cut at five-over 145, with world number four Davis Love III among those missing out following scores of 76 and 75. After completing a first-round 68 earlier in the day, Mickelson, who ended a 14-year wait for a first major victory at the Masters in April, reeled off birdies at the first, eighth, 12th and 16th. “I certainly have played this tournament with a lot of confidence, and I think that stems from preparation,” said the left-hander.