TWO veterans with very different histories, leader Lennie Clements and second placed Tom Watson, topped the leaderboard at the Freeport McDermott Classic golf tournament after the second round in New Orleans, yesterday.

Clements, 11 under par at 133 for 36 holes, is still hoping for his first win in his 17th year on the PGA Tour, while Watson, one stroke back, after 25 years is looking for his 33rd victory, third in New Orleans and first in nine years. Both shot 66 in the second round.

Scott McCarron was in third place at nine under with a second round 67 at English Turn. In fourth place, at eight under, was defending champion Davis Love, who shot his second successive 68.

Clements had no bogeys in his first two rounds, carding six birdies on Friday, all of them within 12 feet. Watson, on the other hand, made seven birdies and a bogey with all five of his birdies coming from long putts that ranged in distance from eight to 40 feet. "I made some long putts, missed some short ones, for birdie - typical for Watson lately," said Watson.

Watson has become famous in recent years for missing tiny putts, and he admitted that he is much more confident of making a 12 footer than he is a four footer. "I'm looking forward to winning again," Watson said. If I could just solve the problem of the short putts, I could win a lot."