Janzen putting along

Seeking his first tournament title since 1998, Lee Janzen figures a new putting stroke gives him a shot.

The two-time US Open champion shot an 8-under-par 64 yesterday and trailed leader Brett Wetterich by one shot after two rounds of the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Wetterich shot his second successive 66 for a 12-under total of 132.

After changing his grip, stance and putter, Janzen surged into contention by making five putts of 15 to 35 feet.

Wetterich played the first 36 holes without a bogey and averaged 293 yards off the tee, the best in the field. He overtook first-round leader Chad Campbell, who bogeyed two of the final four holes, and was third at 9 under.

PGA European -- Ernie Els bounced back with a 3-under 69 after opening with a 73 and is seven strokes off the lead after the second round of the Qatar Masters at Doha. Just before his round, Els exchanged angry words on the practice range with his sports psychologist, Jos Vanstiphout.

"It was crazy. I guess we can put it down to a misunderstanding," Els said.

Richard Green is the leader after a 68.

Champions -- Isao Aoki shot a 3-under 69 in difficult conditions to take a one-stroke lead over Mike Reid and rookie Mark Johnson after the first round of the SBC Classic at Santa Clarita, Calif.. . .
Two-time champion Seve Ballesteros withdrew from the Masters because of a knee injury.

Ballesteros hopes to return at the Spanish Open, played the week after the Masters.