Van Pelt still clear

American Bo Van Pelt remained three strokes clear of the field after the completion of the rain-interrupted second round in the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte today.

Almost half the field had been unable to finish yesterday, and most interest on the resumption focused on whether Masters champion Phil Mickelson could close a seven-stroke deficit over the closing stretch at Quail Hollow.

Instead, however, Mickelson bogeyed three of the last six holes – and by adding a 72 to his opening 71 was nine adrift of Van Pelt, whose 64 had equalled the course record.

Jim Furyk, beaten in a play-off by Vijay Singh last year, kept hold of second place – while Davis Love was third and Singh tied for fourth with Australian Stuart Appleby, twice a winner already this season.

Justin Rose followed up his opening 70 with a disappointing 74 and at level par had dropped from eighth to 34th, but at least he was still in the tournament.

Greg Owen’s closing bogey meant he missed the cut by one and so joined Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell in failing to make it into the concluding 36 holes, while Luke Donald and John Daly were among a number of players who withdrew.

The third round was being played later today.