JOEL EDWARDS putted unusually well yesterday to take a one stroke lead after the second round at the $1.25 million Tucson Open golf tournament.

Edwards, a poor putter, had seven birdies for a five under par 67 and a nine under 134 halfway total that put him one shot ahead of David Toms and defending champion Phil Mickelson, who each carded 66 yesterday.

A year ago Edwards began working with David Leadbetter. "It took us eight months to figure out the problem," said Edwards, who began putting cross handed in October.