Azinger makes forward move

Paul Azinger put himself in contention at the Houston Open with a five-under-par 67 on day two.

Azinger played through the wind and beat the rain to reach four-under 140, a stroke off the pace.

It’s quite a turnaround for the American, who missed four straight cuts and failed to crack 70 in 14 consecutive rounds.

“I probably had eight straight rounds where I putted really poorly, and I putted great the first six tournaments or so I played,” said Azinger, who began the week with a 73.

“But today I putted really well again, and it made all the difference.”

Azinger ended the day a stroke behind leaders Steve Stricker (70), Steve Lowery (69) and Zach Johnson (68).

With 36 holes to go, Azinger has a legitimate chance to claim his first title since January 2000.

It’s as surprising to see Stricker atop the leaderboard, considering he has missed the cut in six of his eight starts this season. He blamed a lack of confidence for a lack of success.

Play was halted due to darkness with 37 players on the course.

Tied with Azinger in the clubhouse is Fiji’s Vijay Singh (66), who set a tournament scoring record en route to the 2002 Houston Open title, and Patrick Sheehan (71).

John Riegger and Neil Lancaster are also at four under as they near the end of their second rounds.