Purtzer out front at Senior PGA

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 23 (UPI) -- Tom Purtzer, seeking his first major title on any tour, seized a one-shot advantage Friday at the Senior PGA Championship in Rochester, N.Y.

Purtzer shot a 67 over the East Course of the Oak Hill Country Club for a two-day total of even-par 140.

"I just drove it a lot better today and I made a few putts," Purtzer said. "I birdied two of the first three holes, so that gets you off thinking in the right pattern."

Jay Haas, who owned the first-round lead, shot a 72 and was tied for second with Massy Kuramoto (68) at 141. Bernhard Langer (71) was at 142, joined by Mark O'Meara (66). Jeff Sluman (73) was alone in sixth at 143.

Defending champion Denis Watson shot a 74 and was tied for 21st at 146.

Among those missing the cut of 152 were 2002 champion Fuzzy Zoeller, two-time runner-up Dana Quigley and four-time winner Hale Irwin.