Mediate, Appleby share second round lead

By Larry Fine

SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - Leading U.S. Open contenders failed to take advantage of softer morning conditions in the second round on Friday to leave the door open for Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at Torrey Pines.

American Justin Hicks, overnight co-leader after a three-under-par 68, still topped the leaderboard after parring his first two holes, while world number one Woods (one over) and number two Mickelson (even par) were about to tee off.

Greens were firming up on the Pacific Coast layout, the longest ever to host a major championship, and breezes were blowing stronger for the afternoon starters.

The best round of the day so far was registered by British Open champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland, who birdied two holes on each nine for a bogey-free, four-under-par 67 that put him at three-over 145.

American Davis Love II and compatriot D.J. Trahan both shot 69s for 141, joined at one-under by Lee Westwood of Britain, who had yet to tee off.

"The wind picked up on the back nine and especially at the finish," Trahan, who won this year's Bob Hope Classic, told reporters.

Tied for second place at two under par were late starters Stuart Appleby of Australia and Americans Rocco Mediate and Eric Axley.

Briton Luke Donald made a pair of birdies on the front nine to reach two-under before falling back to another 71 for 142.

"I certainly didn't play as well as I did on the front side," said Donald, coming off a tie for sixth at the Memorial and tie for third at the European PGA Championship.

"I missed a few drives to the right. You have to grind it out and make some good pars, and I managed to do that coming in. I'm happy with the position I'm in."

Ian Poulter, grouped with fellow-Briton Donald, withdrew after 15 holes. Poulter, who had earlier complained about a wrist injury, three-putted from four feet at the 15th and was seven over par for the day and 14-over for the tournament.

Overnight co-leader Kevin Streelman's reign at the top was short lived when the little-known American posted triple bogey at the par-three third and double-bogeyed the sixth.

At the 198-yard third, the 29-year-old Streelman, ranked 606 in the world, plugged his tee shot in the front bunker, knocked it over the green, chipped on and needed three putts to walk away with a six. Streelman wound up with a 77 for 145.

(Editing by John Mehaffey)