Maruyama pulls five shots clear

Japan's Shigeki Maruyama fired an eight-under-par 64 to lead the Greensboro Classic by five-shots after the second round on Friday.

While several players were hampered by swirling winds, Maruyama made light of the difficult conditions and hit nine birdies and a single bogey on his way to a 15-under 129 total.

"The wind didn't actually bother my game today," Maruyama said.

"I tried to put the ball in a safe area and tried to avoid a dangerous place and played good golf.

I'm leading by five shots now but everybody on the PGA Tour can hit 61, 62.

"I'm not thinking about a five-shot lead now... I'm trying to get a score in the 60s in the next two days."

Brad Faxon was second on 134 after shooting his second straight 67 at Forest Oaks Country Club.

Stephen Ames of Trinidad and Tobago was tied for third on 135 with Australia's Paul Gow.

Jonathan Byrd, Dicky Pride, Tom Carter and Tom Byrum share fifth place on 136, seven strokes off the lead.

First-round leader American Peter Jacobsen slumped to a two-over 74 and dropped into a tie for ninth on 137.

World number four Davis Love III and David Toms had to battle against the elements and returned to the clubhouse with a disappointing 74.

Love, who redesigned the Forest Oaks course over the past year, missed the cut.

Toms, who was tied for third when the second round began, dropped into a tie for 24th on 139.

Maruyama finished his round in style on the par-five ninth hole when he used a 53-degree wedge to hit his third shot to 18 inches.

He converted the birdie to extend his lead.

"I knew I was leading the tournament, so I'm trying to get one more stroke lead for tomorrow," Maruyama said.

"And I was happy, excited, when I finished the round."

Faxon was equally pleased with his round.

"I hit good iron shots. I feel pretty good around the green, putting well," said the Boston Red Sox fan.

"Shigeki is playing well... 15-under-par is great anywhere but it's not that easy of a golf course.

"Certainly five shots is a big lead after two days but we're only halfway.

"I feel pretty good about a lot of parts of my game and I like this course. I like playing here."

Faxon added that his performance made up for the disappointment he felt after the Red Sox lost 6-5 to the New York Yankees in the 11th inning of Game Seven of the American League Championship Series on Thursday.

"I was heart broken last night, as every Boston fan was. I couldn't sleep at all (but) I can handle it," said Faxon, who sported a Boston cap on the course.

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