Auckland professional Ryan Fox is on the charge at the first stage of qualifying for the Web.com Tour in Texas.
The 27-year-old, who fought back in round one with five birdies in a six hole stretch to post a one-under par 71, continued his momentum on day two today witha six-under par 66 at The Woodlands Tournament Course in Texas.
Fox is on a seven-under par total at the halfway stage, four shots back from the leader American Cory Whitsett on 11-under.
The son of the All Black great Grant Fox needs to finish inside the top 32 and ties to advance to the second stage of qualifying for the Web.com Tour.
Masterton professional Ben Campbell needs to rally in the final two rounds to keep his chances alive.
The former Carrus Open Champion has had rounds of 73 and 75 to be four-over par in a share of 64th place.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, Mount Maunganui professional Josh Geary also has some work to do in his final two rounds to have a chance of returning to the Web.com Tour.
The 29-year-old has signed for rounds of 72 and 73 for a one-over par total at the Standard Club in Johns Creek to be in a share of 47th place.
The three-time winner on the Charles Tour is 12 shots back from the American Richy Werenski who leads by one stroke on an 11-under par total.
Geary, who will defend his Western Australian Open title from October 16-19, needs to finish in a share of the top 31 players and ties to advance to the second stage of qualifying for the Web.com Tour.
