Padraig Harrington would make a good poker player, if he were that way inclined. As he eased his way into contention in the Johnnie Walker Classic over the Blue Canyon course in Phuket, Thailand, yesterday, the 26-year-old Dubliner - who trailed US Open champion Ernie Els by four shots at the midway stage - tantalisingly revealed that he had typed in a list of 10 goals for the season on his computer at home prior to his departure for the Far East, but then refused to divulge what they were.

"Let's just say some are realistic and some are ludicrous," quipped a relaxed Harrington, who shot a second round 67 for a 36-hole total of eight under par 136, four shots behind overnight leader Els and a shot adrift of second-placed Alexander Cejka. Indeed, Harrington admitted to feeling "a little strange," adding: "I came here rusty and not expecting too much."

On another humid day, there were some notable casualties, among them Europe Ryder Cup players Ian Woosnam and Thomas Bjorn. The Welshman claimed he was "not so much sweating as leaking" in missing the cut, while Bjorn, who had shared the first round lead, suffered from an upset stomach and endured a dreadful day on his way to second round 81. "That's the worse I've ever felt playing golf. It was hot, yet I felt cold," said Bjorn.

There were no such problems for Els, who had six birdies in seven holes from the fifth on his way to a 65, just one shot outside Greg Norman's course record. "I feel really good about my game and doing the things I want to do," said Els. "I'm enjoying my golf. I won this tournament last year, and I feel I can win again."

Harrington wasn't in the mood to argue. "Realistically I have a big battle with Ernie four ahead, and I don't see him losing the tournament. I think you could put a bet on him not losing, but I will be just trying to play my own game over the weekend and not concentrate on anyone else's efforts but my own," said the Irishman.

He has also developed a liking for the 204-yard second hole. In the first round, Harrington had a hole-in-one there and, yesterday, he sank a 20-footer for birdie on his way to adding a second round 67 to his opening 69, putting himself very much in contention.

So, what of those personal goals? "I won't reveal them because I don't want anybody to judge me by them," insisted Harrington. "I make a list every year. I can say I made all the realistic ones last year and, being a part of winning the World Cup, well, I gave myself that one."

Harrington's World Cup winning partner Paul McGinley also carried his fine form in to the opening tournament on the European Tour, adding a second round 71 for a half-way total of four under par 140. However, Philip Walton carded a second round 74 for 152 and Raymond Burns had a 76 for 158 which meant neither of them survived the cut.

Tiger Woods, who is on a reputed $1 million "promotional money" from the sponsors to play in the event, found himself 11 shots behind Els after 36 holes. Last year, however, Woods was 12 shots adrift at the halfway stage of the Pebble beach Pro-Am and came within a shot of forcing a play-off. When asked who was most likely to pick up the £133,300 top prize tomorrow, Woods was in defiant form. "Me," he replied.