Stewart Cink Leads Regions Tradition by Two Strokes

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Stewart Cink continued his strong performance in the Regions Tradition by scoring a 65 for the second day in a row, giving him a two-stroke lead as he aims to win consecutive senior major titles.

Cink recently won the Senior PGA Championship and has already secured three victories this year on the 50-and-over tour. At Greystone Golf & Country Club, he matched his previous score with eight birdies and one bogey, starting the day tied for the lead with Alex Cejka.

“I played well today,” Cink said. “I made some good putts and played consistently. It wasn’t historic, but it was solid.”

Charlie Wi finished second with a 66. “It’s great to start strong, but I’m disappointed by a few mistakes,” he said. Wi has yet to win on the PGA Tour Champions.

Cink, who won in Hawaii earlier this year and then again in March and April, is aiming for his seventh senior title. He also boasts eight wins on the PGA Tour, including a thrilling playoff victory over Tom Watson at the 2009 British Open.

“I’m excited to share the weekend with family and friends from Alabama,” said Cink, who hails from Huntsville.

Cejka, last year’s winner, dropped to third alongside Retief Goosen and Thongchai Jaidee after a 68. Goosen recently won in Georgia. Steven Alker was tied for ninth with a 69.

Defending champion Angel Cabrera fell to 20th after two rounds: 72 followed by 67.