General / Editor / 14 April 2007 /

was happy to put his Masters misery to bed after he carded a second successive round of 65 to open up a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Verizon Heritage tournament.

The two-time US Open champion suffered his first missed cut at a major for eight years at the Masters last week but showed he was over that disappointment with a flawless round that included six birdies to move to 12-under-par.

The South African has put himself in prime contention to end his drought on the PGA Tour as he lies three shots ahead of first-round leader Jerry Kelly, who bogeyed the last to card a round of 70 after his 63 on the first day.

Els was obviously delighted with his performance to banish the memories of Augusta and said: "I felt there were a couple of birdies to be made there, and that's what I did.

"I hit some quality shots and made some good putts. It was an enjoyable round, the opposite of last week."

Fred Funk matched his first round score with another 67 to share third place with Australian Stephen Leaney at -8, one shot ahead of Korean Kevin Na and American Sean O'Hair.

Masters champion Zach Johnson improved to four-under after a round of 68 and lies in a nine-way tie for 13th place with two rounds to play.

Els' return to form has seen him head Betfair's outright winner market, where he is the outstanding 1.66 favourite, with Kelly also available at 9.4.

Funk is trading at 20, Leaney can be backed at 18, O'Hair is available at 28, while Na is not fancied at 65.

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