Karlsson surges ahead in Tennessee

Robert Karlsson opened up a handy clubhouse lead at the FedEx St Jude Classic after a blazing second-round in Memphis.

The Swede, who lost to Lee Westwood in a play-off last year, went around TPC Southwind in a five-under-par 65 to be nine under for the tournament.

At the end of Karlsson’s round his nearest challenger was American Colt Knost, who was three shots adrift, with the rest of the field a further two strokes further back.

World number two Westwood endured a difficult day, highlighted by a double-bogey six at 12, as he carded an even-par 70 to leave him eight shots off the pace.

Karlsson began the round a stroke behind overnight leader David Mathis, who had dropped back into a share of third place on four-under through 14, and the Swede shot ahead with four birdies in a flawless first nine.

The 41-year-old, who began his round on the back nine, then began his return home with birdie at the first and another at six had moved him four shots clear.

And while a first blemish at the par-three eighth meant he could not maintain that advantage, the Swede had set the benchmark with American trio John Merrick, Kris Blanks and Kevin Kisner just walking out for their rounds at four under.