American Snedeker edges one ahead at windy Tampa Bay

MIAMI (Reuters) - American Brandt Snedeker chipped in for a birdie on his final hole to grab a one-stroke lead in the weather-delayed second round of the Tampa Bay Championship at Palm Harbour on Saturday.

Snedeker, who picked up four shots on his back nine at a rain-soaked and windswept Innisbrook Resort, carded a three-under-par 68 for a five-under total of 137.

Compatriot Jeff Maggert, three ahead of the field overnight with nine holes remaining, slipped back into second place with a 72 after bogeying the 10th, 12th, 14th and 18th.

Holder Mark Calcavecchia, who registered a five-birdie, four-bogey 70 the previous day in strong, gusting winds, was among a group of seven tied for third at three under.

Level with Calcavecchia were fellow Americans Stewart Cink (73), Lee Janzen (74), Billy Mayfair (71) and Bart Bryant (74), Australia's Stuart Appleby (73) and Paul Casey of Britain (72).

Snedeker, whose only PGA Tour victory came at last year's Wyndham Championship in his rookie season, surged up the leaderboard with a sizzling back nine of four-under 32 on an overcast morning with winds gusting up to 70 kph.

The 27-year-old, who had started the round at the 10th hole, birdied the first, the fifth and seventh to get to four under overall before spectacularly chipping in from 80 feet to birdie the par-four ninth.

LIGHTNING THREAT