The Open 2016: SunSport’s look at the contest as it enters the half-way stage at Royal Troon with Phil Mickelson two shots ahead of Henrik Stenson

FORGIVE the awful pun, but the first half of day two was dominated by thoughts of ‘Go on my son’ – Mickel-son, Sten-son – John-son, and even Kjeld –son. Sorry, Kjeld-sen.

If day one at Troon was all about one man, this was a reminder that the 145th Open is going to be a real dogfight, especially with the weather starting to close in.

Phil Mickelson saw his three shot lead trimmed to just one as Lefty’s 69 was eclipsed by a brilliant 65 from Henrik Stenson.

They finished first and second when Mickelson claimed the Claret Jug in 2013. Don’t be too surprised if the positions are reversed this time.

Soren Kjeldsen is another player man seeking a first Major victory, and don’t count him out.

He is a gritty little scrapper, very much in the mould of reigning champion Zach Johnson, who is also right in the mix again.

And with characters such as Andrew Johnston forcing their way into the picture, this promises to be a fascinating shoot-out.

Just lose the ‘t’ in your surname Beef, and you’ll really belong at the top table…