Harrington three off lead in Texas

A second consecutive 69 of the week has put Ireland's Padraig Harrington in a tie for eighth on six-under-par in the Shell Houston Open in Texas today.

Cameron Percy of Australia, who shot a 69, and American Alex Prughshare the lead.

Lee Westwood is in a tie for fourth with Americans Anthony Kim, Joe Ogilvie and Kevin Stadler, one behind first-round co-leader at eight under following a seven-under 66.

Scotland's Martin Laird reached halfway in the tournament at four under par following his second 70 of the week but England's Justin Rose carded a level-par 72 to stay at two under.

Sweden's Fredrik Jacobson moved in the other direction, improving from an opening 73 with a 70 to get to one under alongside Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen, while Ernie Els' bid for a third straight win suffered a setback with his 74 leaving him at level for the week, where England's Simon Dyson also reached after a 71.

World number three Phil Mickelson was another to slide down the leaderboard, frittering away his opening 69 with a four-over 76 but he will at least make it into weekend play at one over, as will Masters champion Angel Cabrera, whose second round 75 left him at two over and right on the cut line ahead of his title defence beginning next Thursday.

Ireland's Rory McIlroy (73), Germany's Martin Kaymer (76) and English duo Chris Wood (75) and Brian Davis (71) were all one stroke the wrong side of the cut mark while a 75 from Luke Donald also sent him packing at four-over.