Durant moves clear in New Orleans

SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD US unless stated -12 J Durant -10 B Wetterich -9 R Goosen (SA), C Hoffman, I Poulter (Eng), S Leaney (Aus), E Axley, R Hietela, M Allen Selected others: -7 G McDowell (NI) -6 P Harrington

Joe Durant leads at the halfway stage of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans after shooting an eight-under-par 64.

Durant is two shots ahead of fellow American Brett Wetterich with England's Ian Poulter in a group a shot further back at nine under.

Poulter picked up five birdies but then dropped a shot at the 16th hole to finish with a 68.

Overnight leader Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland slipped to a share of 11th after a one-over round of 73.

McDowell missed the green at the first hole of the day to drop a shot and also bogeyed the 14th and 18th, where his approach shot found the rough.

The 31-year-old Poulter was delighted with his play from tee to green - he has hit 25 of 28 fairways and 28 of 36 greens - and also encouraged by his improved putting.

The Englishman has struggled with his flat stick this year and admitted that his troubles on the green had started to affect his entire game.

"You keep talking like that and it's bound to affect you," he said. "I've got to stay patient, which I haven't done in the past.

"The last couple of months I've been talking about not putting well. That's negative.

"But I had a look at myself on video two weeks ago and it reassured me there's nothing wrong with my mechanics."

Verplank ace

Durant had a flawless round, with four birdies going out and four more on the back nine.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington had a 68 to move up to six under and a share of 21st place.

American Scott Verplank had a hole in one at the par-three 17th but is still seven shots off the lead at five under.

Also on five under are Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who is looking for his third consecutive win, and England's Justin Rose.

Mickelson shot a 71, which included a double bogey at the 17th where he found the water.

The cut fell at four under, with 1998 winner Lee Westwood and Bernhard Langer both missing out on the weekend.