SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Even with a sore knee, Tiger Woods hit his
stride in the second round at the U.S. Open.
Woods had five birdies during his final nine holes in his round
of 3-under 68 at Torrey Pines that left him one shot behind Stuart
Appleby going into the weekend. Woods is tied with Rocco Mediate
(MEE'-dee-ayt) and Robert Karlsson, who are also at 2-under for the
tourney.
Appleby holed a 45-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole for a 70
that put him at 3 under par. Appleby has the lead in a major for
the first time since he led Woods by one shot going into the final
round of last year's Masters.
Appleby was at 3-under 139 and will play in the final group with
Mediate (MEE'-dee-ayt) on Saturday. Mediate reached 4 under at one
point before settling for a 71.
Woods will play with Robert Karlsson, who shot a 70.
Local favorite Phil Mickelson, who has never won a U.S. Open,
had a long day. He shot a 75 to go 4 over for the tourney, seven
shots off the lead.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)