Kiyoshi Murota teaches rivals a lesson at Valhalla

US SENIOR PGA: Kiyoshi Murota maintained a four-stroke lead after the conclusion of second-round play on Saturday morning at the Senior PGA Championship.

The 55-year-old golf teacher and touring professional, who seldom plays in the United States, recorded opening rounds of 66 and 67 to stand at 11-under 133 after 36 holes at Valhalla Golf Club. Murota is little known outside Japan because he has rarely played in international events.

A total of 29 golfers had their second rounds suspended by darkness on Friday night. They returned to the course early on Saturday.

Nick Price and Hale Irwin were tied for second, with Loren Roberts and Olin Browne another shot back at 138.

Among those missing the cut of five-over 149 were Larry Mize, Tom Kite and Peter Jacobsen.

Play was due to begin immediately in the third round in a bid to get the tournament back on schedule, with the fourth and final round scheduled to be completed last night.