Bradley joins tie for Memphis lead

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Reuters) - American Michael Bradley, playing on the 2008 PGA Tour with a medical exemption, eked out a two-under-par 68 to move into a six-way tie for the lead in the St. Jude Championship second round on Friday.

The 41-year-old Florida native, limited to only eight Tour events last year after breaking his right ankle, piled up four birdies and two bogeys in sweltering conditions with winds gusting up to 50 kph at the TPC Southwind.

Bradley posted a three-under total of 137 to finish level with fellow Americans Tommy Armour III (71), Jason Dufner (68), Dean Wilson (68) and Marc Turnesa (69), plus Australian Gavin Coles (64).

Armour, one stroke off the pace overnight, held a two-stroke lead after 17 holes before running up a double-bogey six at the last.

Three-times major winner Vijay Singh returned a 71 to lie a further stroke back at two under, along with Germany's Alex Cejka (69) and Americans Davis Love III (70) and Michael Letzig

(68).

"I don't like playing in these conditions," Fijian Singh told reporters after a round featuring three bogeys and two birdies.

"It's too much of a guessing game. But if it (the wind) dies down, the pins are going to be accessible and I'm hitting the ball really good. I'm looking forward to that if it happens."

DOUBLE WINNER

Bradley, a double winner on the PGA Tour whose last victory came at the 1998 Doral-Ryder Open, was delighted with his form after playing in only three previous events this season.

"I haven't been putting that well but I went to a new putter this week and I've been hitting it okay," he said. "I hope I can continue to hit the ball well just to give myself opportunities.

"It's imperative you drive it in the fairway this week due to the wind conditions and the firmness of the greens," he added.

Overnight leader Boo Weekley, who had opened with a spectacular 65, dropped five shots in his last six holes for a 75 and a share of 14th place at level par.

The cut fell at five-over 145 with twice U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen and U.S. Ryder Cup players Chad Campbell and Chris DiMarco among those missing out.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Ed Osmond)