Lehman makes light of tricky conditions

Tom Lehman was able to overcome the more difficult South course and heavy fog to maintain his lead after day two of the Buick Invitational, which was suspended due to darkness.

After shooting a blistering 29 on the back nine on the easier North course in the opening round, Lehman carded an impressive five-under-par 67 to move to 15-under 129 through 36 holes.

Lehman and the rest of the field also had to deal with a thick layer of fog which delayed play for nearly three-and-a-half hours, the American having played 16 holes before play was halted.

Winless since capturing the Phoenix Open in 2000, Lehman is three shots in front of Australian Peter Lonard, who completed 17 holes on the North course at seven under and is at 12 under overall.

A total of 75 players were unable to complete the second round at Torrey Pines in California.

World No 1 Vijay Singh was at two under through 17 holes on the North course. He carded a 71 on the South course in the opening round.

After a 69 in the opening round on the South course, Tiger Woods started with three birdies on the North and was at eight under through 17 holes to move to 11 under overall and within four shots of Lehman.

Ernie Els was able to complete his round on the South course and signed for a 71 to move to eight-under 136 through 36 holes.

Playing in his first tournament of the year, Phil Mickelson completed his round on the North course with a 67. He moved to five-under 136 through 36 holes.

Mickelson has won his first tournament of the season five times, including last year at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

He is the only three-time winner here, taking the title in 1999, 2000 and 2001.