Hideki Matsuyama shot a second-round 67 on Friday to move three strokes off the pace at the Frys.com Open.
Matsuyama carded five birdies in a bogey-free round at the par-72 Silverado Country Club North for a two-day total of 7-under-par 137. He moved into sole possession of seventh, three strokes back of Scotland's Martin Lair, who shot his second straight 67.
"It's really good that I could play a stress-free round," Matsuyama said. "I want to finish in a good spot after the third round. If I can play the way I am now, I believe I can be in the hunt for the title."
South Korea's Bae Sang-moon and American Zachary Blair are tied for second a stroke back, while three golfers share fourth at 8-under 136.