The United States' Phil Mickelson preserved his lead at The Open Championship after carding a 69 to end the second round on 10-under-par ©Getty Images

"Photo_Gallery"

Mickelson survived tough conditions on his way to finishing on two-under-par for the day ©Getty Images
Mickelson survived tough conditions on his way to finishing on two-under-par for the day ©Getty Images
Sweden's Henrik Stenson is hot on Mickelson's heels and trails by a single shot at Royal Troon ©Getty Images
Sweden's Henrik Stenson is hot on Mickelson's heels and trails by a single shot at Royal Troon ©Getty Images
Stenson shot an excellent six-under-par to close the gap on Mickelson and boost his chances of a maiden major success ©Getty Images
Stenson shot an excellent six-under-par to close the gap on Mickelson and boost his chances of a maiden major success ©Getty Images
Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen remains in contention, sitting three off the lead on seven-under-par ©Getty Images
Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen remains in contention, sitting three off the lead on seven-under-par ©Getty Images
American Keegan Bradley is also just three shots off the pace ©Getty Images
American Keegan Bradley is also just three shots off the pace ©Getty Images
Defending champion Zach Johnson of the US is a further two shots back ©Getty Images
Defending champion Zach Johnson of the US is a further two shots back ©Getty Images
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy played through the worst weather which befell the Scottish course but ended day two on a respectable two-under ©Getty Images
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy played through the worst weather which befell the Scottish course but ended day two on a respectable two-under ©Getty Images
Patrick Reed of the US was unable to build on his performance yesterday as he carded a three-over 74 ©Getty Images
Patrick Reed of the US was unable to build on his performance yesterday as he carded a three-over 74 ©Getty Images
World number three Jordan Spieth just about made the cut on four-over-par ©Getty Images
World number three Jordan Spieth just about made the cut on four-over-par ©Getty Images