July 19, 2002

Follow the leaderboard at the British Open
Watch Carl Pettersson's post-round press conference

The goal for any of golf's major championships is to stay in contention heading into the weekend. Carl Pettersson did just that on Friday, firing a solid 1-under par 70 in the second round of the British Open at the Muirfield Golf Links in Gullane, Scotland. The former NC State golfer now stands at minus-5 137 at the halfway point, which leaves him just one shot off the pace being set by five players.

A co-leader following a first round 67, Pettersson carved out a steady round on Friday. Despite playing in a steady rain most of the morning, Pettersson carded two birdies and just one bogey on the famed par 71 layout.

Heading into Saturday's third round, Pettersson and two others trail a total of five players who share the lead at 6-under, 136. The midway frontrunners are Ernie Els, Shigeki Maruyama, Padraig Harrington, Duffy Waldorf and Bob Tway. Pre-tournament favorate Tiger Woods is lurking just two strokes behind the leaders.

Another former NC State standout, Tim Clark, was not quite as fortunate as his former college roommate. Clark, who posted a 70 on Thursday, had a 76 in the second round to miss the cut by two shots.

Third round television coverage on ABC will begin bright and early at 9 a.m. eastern time on Saturday.