Flesch fires closing birdies for two-shot Reno lead

LOS ANGELES, Aug 4 (Reuters) American Steve Flesch birdied the final two holes to enjoy a two-shot lead after the second round of the Reno-Tahoe Open.

Flesch backed up his opening round 63 with a three-under-par 69 for a 12-under 132 at Montreux Golf and Country Club yesterday.

The 40-year-old left-hander had birdies at the fourth and eighth holes to offset a double-bogey at second.

He then birdied four holes on the back nine, including three of the final four, after a bogey at the 14th.

American Charles Warren used an eagle at the par-five fourth and seven birdies to surge into second place with a nine-under 63 to reach a two-day total of 134.

Argentina's Jose Coceres slipped to third at 136 after a round of 72. Five players were tied for fourth at 137.

Tadd Fujikawa, the 16-year-old Hawaiian, shot a one-under 71 but failed by five strokes to make the cut of 144 in his professional debut.

Most of the Tour's biggest names are competing at this week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

REUTERS BJR BD1348