Allen Maintains Top Spot in Allianz Championship


Though he went nine strokes higher than his record-tying 12-under 60 on Friday, Michael Allen retained the 36-hole lead in the Allianz Championship. The $1.6 million Champions Tour event began Friday at the Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton, Fla.

Allen got off to a slow start Saturday as the 55-year-old carded a bogey and eight pars on the front nine to make the turn in 1-over 37. But the five-time Champions Tour winner - who tied the circuit's all-time record of 60 Friday and became the first to do so on a par-72 course, rallied on the home half, carding four birdies - including the final two holes.

"I knew if I hung in there, eventually the birdies would start coming," said Allen of his second round.

Allen stands at 15-under 129. One shot back are Scott Dunlap, who followed up his opening 63 with a 67, and Taiwan's Chien Soon Lu, who posted his second straight 65.

Two strokes out of the lead is Duffy Waldorf, who carded the day's low round, a 63, while four behind are Jay Haas (64) and Tom Lehman (67). Haas, a nine-time PGA Tour winner who also has 16 titles on the Champions Tour, is trying to break through with his first win in Florida after 123 career starts.

Gary Koch (66), Wes Short Jr. (68) and Brad Bryant (67) are tied for seventh at 11-under 133.

Defending champion Rocco Mediate has carded rounds of 69 and 67 and trails Allen by seven strokes.

After opening with a 66, John Cook pulled out of the tournament before the start of the second round. Nick Price withdrew after completing only 11 holes Friday. The Zimbabwean, who was 6-over par when he withdrew, has been trying to overcome torn ligaments in his left elbow last year that required surgery.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/leaderboard.html.