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Romero leads Sindelar, Allem by a shot

Sat 5th, July 2008

Endicott, NY (Sports Network) - Eduardo Romero fired a seven-under 65 on Saturday to take the second-round lead at the Dick's Sporting Goods Open.

Romero, who also opened with a 65 in the first round Friday, stood at 14-under 130 for a one-shot lead over Fulton Allem and local favorite Joey Sindelar. It was the 53-year-old Argentine's lowest 36-hole total this season by six shots.

"My concentration is very good," Romero said. "It's been the same for the last two days."

Allem and Sindelar matched Romero with 65s of their own on Saturday to move into a tie for second place at 13-under 131.

Sindelar, who lives near the host course En-Joie, was thrilled to be in contention while playing in front of a supportive hometown gallery.

"I've imagined it plenty of times," said the seven-time PGA Tour winner. "It just hasn't actually happened that often."

Joe Ozaki, who led Romero by two shots overnight after firing a 63 on Friday, was seven shots worse in his second round. His 70 dropped him into fourth place at 11-under 133.

Bruce Vaughan (67) and Ronnie Black (68) shared fifth place at 10-under 134, while six more players were tied for seventh at nine-under 135.

Romero will be seeking just his second Champions Tour victory on Sunday. His first came at the 2006 JELD-WEN Tradition, a major.

On Saturday, he played a flawless round that included seven birdies and 11 pars.

His first three birdies came during a four-hole stretch ending at the sixth, as Romero solidified his spot among the players at the top of the leaderboard. He separated himself with four birdies on the back nine, including an eight- foot putt at the 16th that gave him a one-shot lead.

Romero took the lead while playing alongside Ozaki and Sindelar -- and Sindelar's vocal, supportive gallery. He emerged with a good attitude about it all.

"Many people have come to watch him," said Romero. "Maybe they'll watch me tomorrow."

As good as Sindelar has been off the tee this weekend -- he ranks second in distance -- it has been his putting that's helped him stay in contention. He has needed just 26 putts in both of the first two rounds.

The putter is the equalizer, Sindelar said.

"When the cup is jumping in the way, it makes it way easier," he joked.

Since turning 50 at the end of March, Sindelar has played exclusively on the Champions Tour. And it has paid off. After missing three cuts in four events on the PGA Tour, he has collected seven top-25s in his eight starts on the Champions Tour.

He hoped some of the older players still grinding it out on the PGA Tour were taking notice.

"If any of my buddies on the regular tour would just see that I'm 13-under and in position to win it ..." Sindelar remarked, not finishing his thought.

Maybe they'd make the move, too.

Where the players come to play and STAY.