Ernie Els opened a four-shot lead over Dan Forsman in the Buick Open with a second-round 63 in Michigan. The South African had a 13-under-par total of 131 while Forsman, whose last victory on the USPGA Tour came in the 1992 Buick Open, shot a 67 for 135.

The powerful Els, clearly gearing up for a run at his third major title in next week's USPGA Champion-ship, pitched in twice - once for an eagle - at the Warwick Hills Country Club.

Els, who won his second US Open and the Buick Classic on successive weekends in June, began the round at four-under, six strokes behind surprise first-round leader Sonny Skinner - who followed his opening 62 with a 76.

Crowd favourite Tiger Woods recovered from a mediocre 72 in the opening round to shoot a four-under 68 for 140. Leading aggregates (USA unless stated):

131 - E Els (South Africa) 68, 63.

135 - D Forsman 68, 67.

136 - J Morse 67, 69; CPerry 67, 69; B Fabel 69, 67; L Wadkins 67, 69; H Sutton 67, 69; A Doyle 69, 67.

137 - L Mize 68, 69; R Cochran 68, 69; P Stewart 72, 65.

q Pat Hurst overcame a spell in the sand to fire a three-under-par 69 and gain a one-stroke lead in the USLPGA Friendly's Classic in Massa-chusetts.

Chris Johnson, co-leader after the first round, shot an even-par 72 over the Crestview Country Club course and was at 140.

Defending champion Dottie Pepper (70), Karrie Webb (72), Kristi Albers (69), Nancy Harvey (68), and the other first-round co-leader Joan Pitcock (73) were at three-under on 141.

q Jose Maria Canizares of Spain, a veteran of the European PGA tour playing in only his fifth senior tournament, shot a course-record eight-under-par 64 for the first-round lead in the $1m North- ville Long Island Classic in New York.