James carries lead into weekend at AT&T Championship

Oct 25, 2008 - 12:10 PM SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) - Mike James sits in first place at the AT&T Championship heading into the second round on Saturday.

James shot an 8-under-par 63 in the first round, forging a one-stroke advantage over Dan Forsman.

After bogeying the first hole on Friday, James was nearly flawless - birdying nine of the next 14 holes.

Currently 57th on the money list, James took control after the turn as he birdied six consecutive holes to start the back nine.

A Manchester, England native, James finished his round with three straight pars to land at the top of the leaderboard.

Forsman's opening round was highlighted by an eagle on No. 15, which was sandwiched between two birdies. He finished with five birdies and no bogeys.

Keith Fergus enters the second round in third place after turning in a 6-under 65, while fellow Americans Walter Hall, Dave Stockton, Gene Jones are tied for fourth - three shots off the pace.

The defending champion of this $1.65 million event, John Cook shot a 2-under 69 and is tied for 21st. Cook is hoping to join Lee Trevino and Jim Albus as the only players to win back-to-back titles here.

The AT&T Championship is the final full field event of the season and the last chance for players to crack the top 30 on the tour's money list and earn a spot in the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which we be held next week.

Last year, Jim Thorpe got the 30th and final spot and went on to win the season-ending event.

Joe Ozaki, who is tied for 49th at 1-over, is currently 30th on the money list at $605,403.

First prize is $247,500.