Two atop ACE Group Classic


Kirk Triplett carded his second straight 5-under 67 to tie first-round leader Bernhard Langer for the lead in the ACE Group Classic. The $1.6 million, 54-hole Champions Tour began Friday on the Talon course at TwinEagles Golf Club in Naples, Fla.

After recording two birdies on the front nine and three more on the home half Friday, Triplett - a two-time winner on the Champions Tour - had the same configuration of scores in the second round. The 51-year-old has yet to log a bogey in the tournament.

Langer, the defending champion, fired eight birdies during his opening 64. On Saturday, the 56-year-old German wasn't quite as spot-on, managing four birdies and a pair of bogeys for a 70 to tie Triplett at 10-under 134 heading into Sunday's final round.

Duffy Waldorf missed a bid for his first title on the over-50 circuit in last week's Allianz Championship, losing on the second playoff hole to Michael Allen. But the Los Angeles native and four-time PGA Tour winner is again in good position. The 51-year-old shot a 68 to fie for second with Olin Browne (69) at 135.

Three back of the co-leaders are Colin Montgomerie - also seeking his first Champions Tour victory, who carded a 67, and Bob Tway (72).

Bill Glasson shot 68 to move into solo seventh at 138, and another stroke down the leaderboard are Mark McNulty and Allen, who each posted 71s.

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