Tom Lehman exuded confidence after securing a one-stroke second-round lead at the $3.2 million Phoenix Open yesterday. "I feel very confident. I'm hitting all the shots I want," Lehman said after carding a four-under-par 67 in delightful winter sunshine at the Scottsdale TPC.

He was at 12-under 130, with fellow American Frank Lickliter hot on his heels on 131 after the day's best round, a 64.

The next closest pursuers, Hal Sutton (67) and Australians Robert Allenby (67) and Brad Hughes (66), were three shots back.

Phil Mickelson, who shared the first-round lead with Lehman, slipped six strokes behind after a 73 that would have been even worse if not for two birdies in the final three holes.