Golf: Justin Rose sets himself up nicely at Northern Trust Open

JUSTIN ROSE put himself into contention in the Northern Trust Open as play was suspended for the day at Riviera Country Club with darkness preventing the completion of the second round.

England's Ryder Cup star managed to post a four-under-par 67 on a rainy day near Los Angeles to get to six under for the tournament, four shots off the lead held by Steve Stricker and the still-to-finish Dustin Johnson.

Rose's was in a tie for fourth alongside Stadler, who shot a level-par 71 to finish at six under, and Tim Wilkinson, who had also carded a 67.

A further shot back at five under were Americans Anthony Kim (66), Steve Marino (67) and Ricky Barnes (71), with Japan's Ryo Ishikawa on the same mark after 13 holes.

Rose's compatriot and Ryder Cup team-mate Luke Donald was one under for his round after 14 holes, in a group at four under that also included American Brandt Snedeker (72), South Africa's Ernie Els (70) and defending champion Phil Mickelson.

Mickelson enjoyed a much a better day in the rain than he had on Thursday, when he had shot a one-over 72. The world number two got his bid for a third Northern Trust Open title in a row back on track with a 66 to leap 72 places into a tie for 11th.

Mickelson credited a late-night chat with both his swing coach Butch Harmon and putting coach Dave Stockton for turning his fortunes around.

"I felt like I wasn't far off after yesterday's round, even though the score didn't reflect it," Mickelson said. "I had a good conversation with Butch and Dave Stockton last night, and I think it settled in today.

"I was able to make the last adjustment and it felt great. I hit the ball much better and putted much better."

Mickelson had taken 32 putts in his opening round, but needed just 26 in the second.

With the cut mark hovering around one over, Padraig Harrington was one of those in danger in his first tournament of the year. Play was brought to a close with the Irishman on two over par with two to play.

Scot Martin Laird of Scotland was three over after 15 holes.

Lothians duo Stephen Gallacher and David Drysdale were the only two home-based Scots to make the cut in the Dubai Desert Classic.

While Dubai-based Ross Bain led the way for the tartan contingent on one-under– seven shots behind halfway leader, Thongchai Jaidee – Gallacher and Drysdale both ensured they'd be picking up cheques in one of the European Tour's big-money event.

Gallacher's second-round 71, which included four birdies, left him on level-par, while Drysdale shot a 74 to make it through to the final two rounds on two over.