DULUTH (Georgia), April 1: Holder Phil Mickelson maintained his recent red-hot form by charging to a six-shot lead in the Classic second round on Friday. On a second successive morning of relatively calm weather at the TPC at Sugarloaf, the world number four reeled off seven birdies in a blemish-free display for a seven-under-par 65.

Chasing his first victory of the year and a second BellSouth title, the American left-hander finished on a tournament record two-round total of 16-under 128.

The previous mark was 15-under 129, set by compatriot Larry Nelson in 1988 when the event was played at Atlanta Country Club.

Mickelson’s 36-hole tally was also the best of his PGA Tour career, eclipsing the 15-under 129 he shot at last year’s Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

American J.J. Henry, who played in breezier afternoon conditions, matched Mickelsons 65 to sit second, with twice U.S. Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal a further stroke back in third after a best-of-the-day 64.

Australia’s Gavin Coles, one off the pace at the start of the day after an opening 64, returned a level-par 72 for fourth place at eight-under 136.

Of the other big names in the field, world number three Retief Goosen carded a 70 to finish level with Ireland’s Padraig Harrington in a tie for 12th at five under, four shots better than Sony Open champion David Toms, who returned a 68.

The halfway cut fell at even-par 144 with 79 players qualifying for the weekend.

Among those missing out were 2006 PGA Tour money leader Rory Sabbatini of South Africa, Spanish Ryder Cup player Miguel Angel Jimenez and American world number 11 Chris DiMarco, back in action this week after injuring a rib on a skiing holiday.

Leading second round scores: