Mickelson has taken a 6-shot lead

Duluth: Arjun Atwal’s struggle continued as he missed his fourth successive cut after a forgettable second round of five-over 77 to crash out of the Bellsouth Classic Golf tournament here.

Atwal, who had come close to winning here last year, had a first round of 73 but fell short by six shots at TPC Sugarloaf.

Daniel Chopra missed the cut too as he finished with rounds of 73 and 73. Chopra might still have squeezed in but for bogeys on 14th and 16th holes that spelt disaster for him.

Phil Mickelson, the defending champion, who is using the Bellsouth Classic as a preparation for the Masters, shot a 65 to take a 6-shot lead as he went through the course at a record pace.

His first round 63 matched the course record and the 65 in second led to a 36-hole record at 16-under 128.

The Tour record for four rounds is 29 under by Joe Durant at 2001 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Atwal started with a double bogey and never recovered. He had a birdie on third but bogeys on fifth, eighth and ninth meant he turned in four-over 40 and then a birdie on a 13 th was more than neutralised by two more bogeys on 15th and 18th as he signed for a 77 and went out.

Chopra had two bogeys on either side of the round and three birdies in his 73, which required 31 putts from him.

Those chasing Mickelson included Jose Maria Olazabal, who has a two-day total of 135, but is still seven behind. J.J. Henry matched Mickelson’s 65 to move into second at 134.

Interestingly, Mickelson won the 2000 and 2005 Bellsouth in play-offs.