Big names miss halfway cut

While Tiger Woods fired a second-round 68 to remain on course for a third successive major title this year, several former champions exited the Open after 36 holes Friday.

The halfway cut was made at two-over-par 144, with 83 players advancing to the third round.

Among those failing to progress were Tom Lehman, who won the 1996 Open at Royal Lytham, and fellow American John Daly, who triumphed the previous year at St. Andrews.

Lehman returned rounds of 70 and 76 to miss out by two while Daly crashed out after scores of 74 and 77.

Five-times champion Tom Watson will also miss the weekend rounds following returns of 77 and 78.

Other big names the wrong side of the line included twice U.S. Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal (145), twice major winner Vijay Singh of Fiji (147) and 2000 European number one Lee Westwood (145).

World number two Phil Mickelson qualified for the weekend right on the cut-mark after a poor second round of 76.

"I'm not about to give up with two rounds left but my play today has put me in an unfortunate position," said the American left-hander.

"There's a low round to be had like Colin (Montgomerie who carded a second-round 64).

"But I think I'll need a bit of help from the weather if I want to make a big charge. Hopefully, it co-operates tomorrow."

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