Phil Mickelson remains on top in California

PHIL Mickelson could not extend his overnight lead as he set a target of six under par at the end of his second round at the Northern Trust Open in Pacific Palisades, California.

Mickelson carded a five-under 66 on Thursday to lead by one from fellow Americans JB Holmes and Hunter Mahan and, though he could not match that, a one-under 70 was enough for him to keep his nose in front midway through day two.

His nearest challenger, Sweden’s Carl Pettersson after Holmes and Mahan both endured difficult mornings, was only one stroke behind.

While Pettersson was two under through 16 to sit five under overall, Holmes was two over for his round to sit two under overall, while Mahan was back at level par after going four over yesterday.

England’s Luke Donald and Justin Rose, one under overnight, were among the later starters, while Padraig Harrington was one under through 15 to sit two over, with the cut projected at three over.