ATLANTA, May 6: American journeyman Bo Van Pelt retained his three-shot lead at the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, when the rain-hit second round was completed on Saturday.

Van Pelt had charged ahead of the field with a record-equalling eight-under-par 64 at Quail Hollow Club on Friday before play was curtailed midway through the afternoon due to thunderstorms.

The 30-year-old from Indiana, chasing his first title on the PGA Tour, finished on 10-under 134.

Of the 74 players left stranded on the course when rain cut short the second day, Australia's Stuart Appleby made the most significant move on Saturday morning.

A double champion on the 2006 PGA Tour, Appleby birdied 15 and 16 on his way to a 67 and a tie for fourth at five under with holder Vijay Singh, who carded a 68 on Friday.

Jim Furyk was alone in second place at seven under, after returning a 69 on Friday, with fellow American Davis Love III a further stroke back, also after a 69 the previous day.

South African Trevor Immelman and American Bill Haas, among four leaders going into the second day, had mixed fortunes when completing their rain-delayed rounds.

Immelman parred his remaining three holes for a 72 to secure a share of sixth place at four under, level with Haas, who bogeyed 16 and 17 before signing for a 72.

US Masters champion Phil Mickelson, hunting his third title of the year, collected three bogeys and a birdie in his remaining seven holes, a 72 leaving him at one under par.

Seventy-three players qualified for the weekend after the halfway cut fell at two-over 146.

Among those missing out were world number 11 Chris DiMarco, former European number one Lee Westwood and Australia's Aaron Baddeley, winner of the Heritage Classic three weeks ago.—Reuters