SAN DIEGO (AP) _ Even with a sore knee, Tiger Woods hit his
stride in the second round at the U.S. Open. Woods had five birdies during his final nine holes in his round of 3-under 68 at Torrey Pines that left him one shot behind Stuart Appleby going into the weekend.

Woods is tied with Rocco Mediate (MEE'-dee-ayt) and Robert Karlsson, who are also at 2-under for the tourney. Appleby holed a 45-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole for a 70 that put him at 3 under par. Appleby has the lead in a major for the first time since he led Woods by one shot going into the final round of last year's Masters.

Appleby was at 3-under 139 and will play in the final group with
Mediate (MEE'-dee-ayt) on Saturday. Mediate reached 4 under at one
point before settling for a 71. Woods will play with Robert Karlsson, who shot a 70.

Local favorite Phil Mickelson, who has never won a U.S. Open,
had a long day. He shot a 75 to go 4 over for the tourney, seven
shots off the lead.
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