Luke Donald has kept himself in contention near the top of the US Open leaderboard after finishing two-over-par in his second round at the tournament.
The overnight leader, who is currently tied for third on even par, struggled early on at Merion, but birdies at the ninth, 12th and 13th holes have kept his hopes alive.
Lee Westwood, who was paired with Donald, also found the conditions tough, carding a round of 77 today, including a double bogie at the 14th.
After an even round yesterday, the Briton will have to wait to see if he makes the cut.
Rory McIlroy opened his round with a bogey, but a pair of birdies at the 11th and 12th helped him finish on level par, leaving him three-over for the tournament.
His score was mirrored by world number one Tiger Woods, who also posted a round of 73, leaving both played tied for 29th.
Like Westwood, Adam Scott will also face a tense wait to see if he makes the cut after a five-over-par round.
The Masters champion recorded bogeys on four of the opening six holes, before completing his only birdie of the round on the 13th, leaving him seven-over after two rounds.
The results make Donald the clubhouse leader, with Phil Mickelson and Nicolas Colsaerts yet to tee off.
Sports Mole has full live text commentary from day two of the US Open.
Sian Cowper
