Carlos Franco of Paraguay was in a familiar place after yesterday's second round of the $3.4 million PGA New Orleans Classic. Franco moved closer to defending his first US PGA title, carding a five-under-par 67 to tie with Blaine McCallister at the top of the leaderboard at 10-under par 134.

McCallister, the 1999 Qualifying School medallist, had his best round of the year and the lowest score of the day, a 65 that included seven birdies, an eagle and two bogeys. He was seven-under from the seventh hole to the 12th. Within striking distance of his first title since 1993, McCallister would nearly match his earnings from the previous three seasons with the $612,000 first prize.

Just one stroke behind the leaders at 135 are Australian Stuart Appleby and Joel Edwards, who is seeking his first win in 11 years on Tour.

First-round leader Paul Stankowski, Glen Day, Jay Williamson and Stephen Ames of Trinidad and Tobago were two shots off the lead on 136.

Three others were on 137, with Buick Invitational winner Phil Mickelson and two-time US Open champion Lee Janzen heading a group of seven at 138.

Masters winner Vijay Singh and Harrison Frazar are tied with eight others at five-under 139. Singh, returning from a two-week absence this week, carded a second-round 71.

A group of 10 is at 140 and 15 others, including two-time US Open champ Ernie Els and Nick Price were on 141. Greater Greensboro Classic winner Hal Sutton, made the cut at one-under 143.

Ireland's Keith Nolan had another unsuccessful day with a round of 73, giving him an overall score of 149, and he fails to make the cut set at a score of 144.