Golf: Stiles blows in from nowhere

Little-known American Darron Stiles charged into a two-shot lead with a six-under-par 64 in gusting winds at the St Jude Classic in Memphis, Tennessee yesterday.

The 32-year-old from Florida, playing his third season on the PGA Tour since turning professional in 1995, mixed eight birdies with a double-bogey six in the second round for a combined seven-under 133 at the TPC at Southwind.

Compatriots Tom Pernice Jr (68), Tim Herron (65) and overnight leader Chris Smith (71) were tied for second at five under with David Toms lurking a further stroke back.

St Jude Classic champion in 2003 and 2004, Toms eagled the par-five 16th on his way to a 67 and a share of fifth place with fellow American Brian Gay (67) and Camilo Villegas of Colombia.

The New Zealand pair of Phil Tataurangi and Grant Waite failed to make the cut, which was set at 144.

Tataurangi was left on 146 and Waite 149.

Stiles, who has missed three cuts in five starts this year, was delighted with his performance in difficult conditions.

"It was just another solid ball-striking day," he said after reeling off five birdies in his first seven holes. "I got off to a good start and made some putts early on. I didn't used to like to play in a lot of wind, but I think I've mentally gotten a lot smarter to play the right shot."

- REUTERS/NZPA