Hometown hero Phil Mickelson charged into a share of the lead after his second round at the $3.5 million Buick Invitational last night.

Mickelson, who suffered severe food-poisoning earlier in the week, looked fully recovered as he carded an eight-under-par 64 on the Torrey Pines north course.

He joined fellow-American Davis Love, with whom he was playing, at 12-under-par 132. Love, winner of last week's Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, continued his sizzling form with a 67.

Brent Geiberger lies a further shot back on 133, after adding a 69 yesterday to his excellent opening round of 64.

Three strokes off the lead is Paul Stankowski, who has made an unusual vow this year - to work less. For years he pushed himself harder than is in his nature, and his results have deteriorated.

"I spent too much time on the range, too much time in the fitness trailer," he said. "It confused me. That's not my nature. I play my best when I hit a few balls and go. It's not brain surgery."

Richie Coughlan failed to make the cut, adding a 74 last night to Thursday's round of 70, which was three shots too many for him to make it into today's third round.