A brief look at the second round of the 110th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach:
Leading: Graeme McDowell, who was at 3-under 139 after a second round 68.
Just behind: A quartet of players including Phil Mickelson, who shot a 66 in his second round. Tied with him were two-time champion Ernie Els, Dustin Johnson and 18-year-old Rya Ishikawa. Where's Tiger? Tiger Woods shot a 72 and is seven shots back. Noteworthy: This was the first time Mickelson had ever had the lowest round by himself in a major.
Noted: Pebble Beach played a half shot easier at 74.6 in the second round as greens were softer.
Quoteworthy: "Certainly my mood is better. I'm a lot cheerier" _ Phil Mickelson, after following a first round 75 with a 66. Key stat: After making no birdies between them in the first round, Phil Mickelson (6) and Tiger Woods (3) combined for 9 of them.
Bad stat: PGA champion Y.E. Yang followed a 34 on the front nine with a 49 on the back.
Key pairing: 6:30 p.m. Alex Cejka, Phil Mickelson; 6:40 p.m. Ryo Ishikawa, Ernie Els.