Mallon takes three-stroke lead at LPGA Classic

KUTZTOWN, Pa. -- Meg Mallon shot a 6-under 66 Friday and took a three-stroke lead over Kim Saiki and Janice Moodie on Friday after two rounds of the Wachovia LPGA Classic.

Mallon was at 10-under 134 after two trips around the Berkleigh Country Club course. Saiki had five straight birdies in a 65, the best round of the tournament, on Friday, while Moodie had a 68.

Mallon had five birdies on the front nine, including a 24-foot putt on No. 1, a 20-footer on 4, a 3-footer on 5 and a chip-in birdie from the rough near a greenside bunker on the seventh hole that dropped her to 8 under.

She finished the front nine in style with a 20-foot birdie putt, then birdied two holes on the back nine, including an up-and-down from the bunker on the par-5 18th, to offset a bogey on 12.

"I know good rounds are out there to be had," said Mallon, who has 14 career victories. "If I'm not getting the ball in the hole, someone else is. I have to make birdies to stay in the game."

Mallon credited her hot putter and a comfort level with the course which has played host to the tournament for six years. Mallon has finished in the top 10 in three of those events.

"It's a good strategy course," Mallon said. "You're never hitting the same clubs off the tees."

Saiki was particularly good with two clubs: her wedge, which put her in birdie position throughout the day, and her putter.

She started the birdie run at No. 7.

The longest birdie putt during the hot streak was 7 feet, on the ninth. All of the birdies were set up with wedges that got Saiki close to the pin.

"It felt great," Saiki said. "You're just kind of in a zone. Nothing fazes you."

Not even the ever-improving chances of winning her first LPGA event. Saiki has been close with seven top 10 finishes last year.

"I know I can win a golf tournament," Saiki said. "I've been in contention so many times. It's just a matter of making putts."

Moodie, who started on the back nine, challenged Mallon coming down the stretch before dunking her tee shot in the water on the par-3 6th. She double-bogeyed the hole, but bounced back with a birdie on 9 to tie Saiki for the lead.

Beth Daniel (69) and Candie Kung (67) were four strokes back at 138, while Dawn Coe-Jones (71) and Heather Bowie (68) were another stroke back. First-round leader Emilee Klein followed an opening 66 with a 74. Defending champion Se Ri Pak had a 71 and was at 141.

Play was completed after a downpour forced a 56-minute delay. Thirty-six players were on the course when play was stopped at 5:21 p.m.

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