LEE JANZEN, enjoying a new set of clubs, shot a spectacular seven under par 65 to take the lead after the second round at the $1 million Mercedes Championship in Carlsbad, California yesterday.

Janzen reeled off nine birdies, seven pars and two bogeys for an eight under 136 halfway total in pleasant, sunny conditions. He was one stroke ahead of fellow American Mark O'Meara (69), while first round leader Corey Pavin (71) joined Jim Gallagher (67) and Scott Hoch (69) two strokes back.

Pavin completed 72 consecutive holes without dropping a shot before his amazing run came to a sticky end with a double bogey at the pal four 10th.

It was his first blemish since he bogeyed the ninth double during the second round in his most recent tournament, the Million Dollar Challenge in Sun City, South Africa, which he won last month.

He also bogeyed the 13th hole after calling a penalty stroke against himself when his ball moved after he had addressed it in the rough.

Janzen, meanwhile, said he was driving the ball straighter after switching to a new brand of clubs, the fourth year in a row he has changed equipment companies.

Janzen flew out of the starting blocks with birdies at the first four holes as his putter ran hot.

He added one more birdie, along with two bogeys, on the front nine before picking up four more birdies on the inward half.

Despite his outstanding performance, his score was two shots shy of the course record 63 he set here last year.

O'Meara could not match Janzen's brilliance, but the former US amateur champion did enough to stay in contention. O'Meara had five birdies and two bogeys.

British Open champion John Daly continued his embarrassing form with a 75 for seven over 151 that left him last by two strokes in the 30 man field, restricted to last year's PGA Tour winners.