KUTZTOWN, Pa. -- Meg Mallon had a simple explanation for her strong play in the Wachovia Classic.
"I putted really well for two days. I haven't done that for two consecutive days this year," Mallon said.
The 14-time LPGA Tour winner shot a 6-under-par 66 in the second round Friday to take a three-stroke lead over Kim Saiki and Scotland's Janice Moodie.
Mallon had a 10-under 134 total on the Berkleigh Country Club course. Saiki had five straight birdies in a 65, the best round of the tournament, and Moodie shot a 68.
Mallon finished just before play was delayed for 56 minutes by a late afternoon thunderstorm.
"I think we just beat the thunderstorms," Mallon said. "I wear metal spikes, so I don't need to be out there."
Mallon had five birdies on the front nine, holing a 24-foot putt on No. 1, a 20-footer on No. 4, a 3-footer on No. 5 and chipping in from the rough on No. 7.
She finished the front nine with a 20-foot birdie putt, then birdied two holes on the back nine, including an up-and-down birdie from the bunker on the par-5 18th, to offset a bogey on 12.
"I know good rounds are out there to be had," she said. "If I'm not getting the ball in the hole, someone else is. I have to make birdies to stay in the game."
She has three top-10 finishes on the Berkleigh course.
"It's a good strategy course," Mallon said. "You're never hitting the same clubs off the tees."
Saiki began her run of five straight birdies on No. 7. The longest birdie putt during the streak was 7 feet, on the ninth.
"It felt great," Saiki said. "You're just kind of in a zone. Nothing fazes you."
She is seeking her first tour victory.
"I know I can win a golf tournament," Saiki said. "I've been in contention so many times. It's just a matter of making putts."
Beth Daniel (69) and Candie Kung (67) were four strokes back at 6-under 138, while Canada's Dawn Coe-Jones (71) and Heather Bowie (68) were another shot behind.
First-round leader Emilee Klein followed an opening 66 with a 74. Defending champion Se Ri Pak had a 71 for a 141 total.
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