Fleisher takes over lead

Bruce Fleisher shot a 6-under-par 65 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead over Tom Kite after the second round of the Verizon Classic.

Fleisher had an 11-under 131 total, matching the tournament 36-hole record he set in his 2000 victory on the TPC of Tampa Bay. Kite, the MasterCard Championship winner, had a 66.

Bruce Summerhays (68) was three strokes back at 133, followed by Doug Tewell (67) at 134, and first-round leaders Dana Quigley (71) and Mike Hill (71) at 135.

Hale Irwin, coming off his record 33rd senior title last week in the ACE Group Classic in Naples, was seven strokes back after a 68. He eagled No. 14, but gave the strokes back with a double-bogey 6 on No. 15. Lee Trevino also was 4 under after a 70.

Fleisher is seeking his 15th victory in four seasons on the senior tour.

``I'm in position, but there's a lot of guys within four shots,'' Fleisher said. ``This is a golf course where if you feel comfortable, you can shoot a low number.''

Kite's season-opening victory in Hawaii was his fourth in three seasons on the senior tour after winning 19 times on the PGA Tour, including the 1992 U.S. Open.

``I used to make guys like Tom Kite look good,'' said Fleisher, who won only one tournament on the PGA Tour. ``I don't know if I was intimidated back then, but now it's a privilege to play with Tom.''

Fleisher had six birdies in a bogey-free round that included a 20-foot birdie putt on No. 13 and a 15-footer on No. 14. He will be paired with Kite for the third straight round Sunday.

``I've known Bruce since we were in college,'' Kite said. ``He was a heck of a player. I was surprised he didn't do better on the PGA Tour. Then he got more comfortable with himself, with his game. But players mature at different levels, at different times.''

Kite had consecutive birdies on Nos. 10-12, but closed with four straight pars.

``I can't seem to catch the leader,'' Kite said. ``I had some opportunities coming in, but couldn't make anything. Today the golf course was strong, with some awesome pine placements and lots of longer shots into the greens.''

Summerhays reached 10 under with a 12-foot birdie putt on No. 12, but dropped back with a bogey on the par-4 15th.

``There are lot of players right there,'' Summerhays said. ``If the weather is good, I'm going to have to shoot 6 or 7 under to win with Fleisher and Kite right there.''

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