Mickelson leads

Continually smiling at the huge galleries, he picked up shots at the first, eighth, 12th and 16th on a second successive day of calm weather at Shinnecock Hills.

Although unable to convert several other birdie chances, the 34-year-old Californian finished two ahead of fellow American Fred Funk, who fired a matching 66 with birdies at his last two holes.

Level with Funk at four under were 2001 US Open champion Retief Goosen, after 14 holes, and overnight pacesetters Jay Haas and Shigeki Maruyama, who were yet to tee off among the day’s later starters.

Corey Pavin, US Open champion in 1995 when Shinnecock last staged the second of the year’s four majors, was a further two shots back at two under with four holes to play.

(Reuters)