New Zealand golfer Danny Lee has fired a second-straight impressive round to be well in contention after two rounds of the Puerto Rico Open.

Lee backed up his opening round 67 with a 68 on Friday, leaving him at nine-under for the tournament in a share of fourth spot.

With 49 of the world’s top 50 golfers contesting the World Golf Championships event in Miami, American James Driscoll has taken the halfway lead after a scorching second-round 63 left him 12-under.

Driscoll is one shot ahead of countryman Chesson Hadley, who is a further shot clear of Eric Axley.

Steven Bowditch is the leading Australian in a tie for 25th at five-under, with rookie Brady Watt, on his US Tour debut, close behind after shooting a 69 to be three-under for the tournament.