Cochran maintains Mitsubishi top spot

PAPAIKOU, Hawaii, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- First-round leader Russ Cochran maintained the top spot after 36 holes of the Mitsubishi Electric Championship Saturday with a round of 7-under-par 65.

Cochran had a two-stroke lead coming into Saturday's play and emerged with his advantage intact, finishing two shots ahead of defending champion Tom Watson (65) at 17-under 127.

Cochran, seeking his third career Champions Tour win, ended in good shape at Hualalai Golf Club in Hawaii thanks to seven birdies in a bogey-free round.

His previous two wins came in back-to-back fashion in September.

John Cook fired the best round of the day -- an eight-under 64 -- to jump into third place at 14-under 130, while Jeff Sluman shot a 6-under 66 for sole possession of fourth at 13-under 131.

Tied for fifth place at minus-12 were Tom Lehman (66) and Mark McNulty (67).