Gay leads as play stopped at St. Jude

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Thunderstorms stopped play yesterday during the second round of the St. Jude Classic.

Brian Gay was holding the lead after a 4-under 66. Play was halted, and fans and players were cleared from the TPC Southwind when the horn sounded 10 minutes before thunder could be heard.

Gay was at 10-under 130 through 36 holes, 2 strokes ahead of Robert Allenby and Bryce Molder (63), with Allenby having three holes to play in the second round. Phil Mickelson was at 4 under with his tee shot marked in the 16th fairway when play stopped. This is his first event since announcing his wife has breast cancer.

John Daly was at the projected cut line after a 2-under 68 left him at even par in his first PGA Tour event since finishing a six-month suspension for off-court activities that were deemed detrimental to the sport. If he makes the cut, a temporary restraining order Daly's attorneys obtained Wednesday that keeps his estranged wife away from the course would be extended into the weekend.

Elsewhere. Tiger Woods will defend his U.S. Open championship Thursday at Bethpage State Park on Long Island. Woods is grouped with Masters winner Angel Cabrera and 2008 British Open winner Padraig Harrington.