Unheralded American Stiles sets Memphis pace

NEW ORLEANS, May 27 (Reuters) Little-known American Darron Stiles charged into a two-shot lead with a six-under-par 64 at the St.

Jude Classic in Memphis, Tennessee yesterday.

The 32-year-old from Florida, playing his third season on the PGA Tour, mixed eight birdies with a double-bogey six to finish on seven-under 133 at the TPC at Southwind.

Compatriots Tom Pernice junior (68), Tim Herron (65) and overnight leader Chris Smith (71) were tied for second with the ominous figure of 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 at four under with fellow American Brian Gay (67) and Colombia's Camilo Villegas (66).

''I felt really good today, very comfortable and hit a lot of good shots,'' world number eight Toms told reporters.

''No matter what kind of results you've had at a place, you always draw on that,'' added the 39-year-old American, who has finished no worse than fourth at Southwind over the last four years.

''At the same time, you've still got to hit the shots and that's what I'm going to have to this weekend.'' Toms is chasing his second PGA Tour title of the year, having coasted to a five-shot victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January.

ROLLER-COASTER ROUND Pernice followed his opening 67 with a roller-coaster 68 that included an eagle, five birdies and a double-bogey six at the 18th.

Twice a winner on the PGA Tour, Pernice made a rousing start after teeing off at the par-four 10th on another hot day at Southwind.

He picked up four shots in the first eight holes before stumbling on 18 and stayed at five under after covering the homeward nine in level-par 35.

''I came out and really hit the ball great,'' said Pernice, whose last PGA Tour victory came at the 2001 International.

''I didn't feel that I was really up, down, up, down. I felt like I was playing well. I really wasn't worried about it.

''The only real disappointment is with the three-putt at 18 and the two opportunities at par I missed at four and five. The course is easily standing up for itself, no question.'' The halfway cut fell at four-over 144 with former major winners Mark Brooks, Lee Janzen, David Duval and Shaun Micheel among those missing out.

REUTERS DH RN0652