Triplett rallies for First Tee victory

MONTEREY, Calif., July 8 (UPI) -- Kirk Triplett garnered his first Champions Tour victory Sunday, firing a 6-under-par 66 to come from behind and claim the First Tee Open at Pebble Beach.

Triplett, who entered the day four shots off the pace, eagled the par-5 second hole, followed that with a birdie on No. 3 and was on his way.

He missed the green but nonetheless chipped in for a birdie at the par-4 16th, pushing his lead to three shots, and closed with a pair of pars to earn his first tour title.

Triplett finished at 10-under 206, two better than Mark McNulty, who posted a 3-under 69 to take second place at minus-8.

McNulty also was part of the winning Pro-Junior team with an amateur partner.

Knotted for third place were Jay Haas and Bill Glasson (both 3-under 69) and Brad Bryant (74) at 6-under 210.

Second round co-leader Tom Kite stumbled to a 4-over 76 Sunday, ending in a tie for ninth at minus-4.