Andrade & Funk Now Lead in Mississippi


While 18-hole leader Fred Couples faltered, Billy Andrade and Fred Funk shined in the second round of the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic. The $1.6 million, 54-hole Champions Tour event is taking place at the Fallen Oak course in Biloxi.

Andrade, a tour rookie who turned 50 in January, fired nine birdies and only two bogeys for a 7-under 65. The 57-year-old Funk, an eight-time winner on the over-50 circuit, had five birdies for a 67.

The two have the lead heading into Sunday's final round at 8-under 136, but are just one shot clear of Couples (71), Jay Haas (69) and Jeff Maggert (69).

Couples, who won last week's Toshiba Classic and opened with a 6-under 66 on Friday, posted two birdies on the front nine to make the turn in 2-under 34 on the Tom Fazio-designed course. But the 54-year-old Seattle native couldn't get much going on the home half, carding eight pars and a bogey on the par-3 14th hole.

Only two strokes off the pace are Bill Glasson (67), Mark O'Meara (68), Duffy Waldorf (69) and David Frost (70). Sharing 10th at 5-under 139 are Tom Lehman (69), Roger Chapman (70) and John Riegger (70).

Defending champion Michael Allen has carded rounds of 68 and 72 and is at 4-under 140 along with Colin Montgomerie (69), Bernhard Langer (69), Olin Browne (70), Scott Hoch (69) and Mark McNulty (70).

Because rain is forecast for Sunday's final round, players will start at 8 a.m. off both the first and 10th tees.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/leaderboard.html.