Mickelson makes BellSouth charge

SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD US unless stated -6 S McCarron -5 B Mayfair, P Mickelson, JM Olazabal (Sp) -4 T Ridings, B Bateman, A Oberholser, J Snyder III, R Beem (after 17 holes)

Phil Mickelson is just one shot off the lead after two rounds of the rain-hit BellSouth Classic in Atlanta.

The American, who begins the defence of his Masters title at Augusta on Thursday, hit a round of 65.

He is one of a trio on five under, including two-time Masters champion Jose-Maria Olazabal, with leader Scott McCarron one shot in front.

The tournament has been reduced to 54 holes with 33 players yet to complete their second round.

Mickelson was down in 61st after completing his first round earlier on Sunday, when he shot a 74.

But six birdies and an eagle in the second propelled the left-hander up the leaderboard.

Olazabal had a second-round 69 after incurring a two-stroke penalty when hitting the sand with his club in a bunker on the 8th hole.

McCarron, winner of this event in 1997 and 2001, shot his second 69 in a row.