Appleby makes forward move

Two-time defending champion Stuart Appleby took the lead after a wind-swept second round of the Mercedes Championship in Hawaii.

The Australian tamed but did not master the strong winds as he carded a solid one-under-par 72 to post a three-under halfway total of 143 on the Kapalua Plantation course.

Appleby, who is seeking to become the first man in 49 years to win the PGA Tour’s season opener for three straight years, leads by one shot from Major champions Vijay Singh, Michael Campbell, Jim Furyk and David Toms.

First-round leader Olin Browne struggled in the conditions and shot a three-over 76 to end the day tied with Sergio Garcia two shots back.

Appleby played the tougher front nine in one-over before making his move on the inward half, picking up three birdies before an untimely bogey at the par-five 18th, where his tee shot ended up in a hazard.