Eaks takes the lead at Hickory

CONOVER, N.C., Sept. 15 (UPI) -- R.W. Eaks finished the first round belatedly Saturday with a 9-under 63 for a two-shot lead at the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn in North Carolina.

Heavy rain had caused officials to halt the first round Friday with only 54 players out of 78 able to start.

The second round began Saturday while the first was finishing.

At second, Scott Simpson shot a 7-under 65 and was two strokes off Eaks' lead. Bob Gilder, Gil Morgan and Tim Conley were another stroke back at 66.

Playing in his first Champions Tour event, Jeff Sluman posted a 67 and was tied for sixth with defending champion Andy Bean, Tom McKnight, Des Smyth and Dave Eichelberger.

Bean defeated Eaks in a playoff last year.