Frazar hoping it's third-time lucky

Harrison Frazar has enjoyed the best results of his PGA Tour career at the Compaq Classic the last two years - but he has yet to come up with a win.  

Frazar recorded the best round of the second day with a bogey-free seven-under-par 65.

However, he still trails Phil Mickelson and Brian Gay by one shot after the second round at English Turn Golf and Country Club in New Orleans.

Frazar matched his best PGA Tour finish here two years ago with a tie for second, while last year saw him endure a heartbreaking finish as he relinquished a one-shot lead with a bogey at the 17th hole that left him third.

"I have thought about it for a year and it's been somewhat difficult to get over, but life goes on," said Frazar.

"All the ifs and the what-ifs and the buts and the if-onlys run through your mind.

"Hopefully, I can right the wrong this year, get some justice back on that hole. It owes me, that's for sure."

Mickelson, playing his first event since finishing third at the US Masters, and Gay carded their second straight 66s to share the 36-hole lead at 12-under-par on 132.

South Africa's Ernie Els is four shots off the lead on eight-under on 136, along with Brian Watts and Jim Carter.

Defending champion Carlos Franco of Paraguay remained within striking distance as he shot a 68 and joined David Duval, Brad Fabel and David Peoples on seven-under 137.

Franco is trying to become the first player to win the same PGA Tour event three straight years since Tom Watson at the Byron Nelson Classic from 1978-80.

First round leader Paul Stankowski could not carry the momentum from his opening-round 61 as he struggled to a 77 and dropped into a tie for 14th at six-under 138.

And Briton Ed Fryatt carded a disastrous three-over-par 75 to miss the cut by three strokes on 145.