Atwal leads in New Orleans

Arjun Atwal carded a four-under-par 68 to lead JJ Henry by one stroke after the second round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

The Indian, who was tied for the lead with Masters runner-up Chris DiMarco after the opening round, is at 11 under on 133 after 36 holes – a shot clear of Henry, who has carded consecutive 67s.

DiMarco, who lost a play-off with world number one Tiger Woods at the Masters, struggled to a 71 and is tied for third with South African Tim Clark, three shots off the pace.

Also in the hunt is last week’s winner and defending champion Vijay Singh. The Fijian, ranked number two in the world, is tied for sixth at six under on 138.

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington is six shots off the pace after a 71.

Atwal, who only got into the tournament on Monday, has won seven times internationally and lost to Phil Mickelson in a play-off at the BellSouth Classic in early April.

The 32-year-old, in his second year on the USPGA Tour, is the first Indian to play the PGA circuit.

“I played well everywhere else, except in America,” Atwal said. “My best finish before BellSouth was sixth at Greensboro last year.

“I won a few times in Asia and Europe but have never come close here. BellSouth gave me a little bit of confidence going into this week.”