Harrington the closest to Tiger

Ireland's Padraig Harrington quietly moved into contention at the 102nd U.S. Open on Friday, shooting a second-round 68 to move into second place, three shots back of leader Tiger Woods.

Harrington, of Dublin, who shot an even-par 70 on Thursday, began his round on the back nine and promptly bogeyed the arduous 492-yard, par-four 10th, the second longest in U.S. Open history.

At the par-three 14th, Harrington hit to four feet and made birdie to return back to even par.

After seven pars, Harrington then made birdie at the par-five fourth, hitting a sand wedge from 85 yards to eight feet and making the birdie putt.

At the par-four sixth, Harrington hit a five-iron approach to four feet and made his third birdie.

Harrington will be paired with Woods in Saturday's third round, but will not be concerned with how the world number one player performs.

"Whatever I feel he's going to do, I certainly can't control," Harrington said.

"I'm not going to intimidate him on the tee box, that's for sure. I'm just more interested in what I'm going to do."

Harrington played in the afternoon draw, which produced three of the day's four under-par scores and had the worst weather.

Harrington, though, said the inclement weather did not affect him too much.

"I was going well, so I was never looking for it to be suspended," he said.

"I had my head down and was working away, and basically I wasn't getting distracted by the weather. I was doing the best I could.

"That's usually a sign that you're having a good day focus-wise; that you're not distracted by anything outside your game."

Harrington is playing in his fifth U.S. Open, his best finish being a tied for fifth two years ago when Woods won at Pebble Beach Golf Links.