Norman delivers blast from past

SOUTHPORT, England - The Shark was atop the leader board at the British Open - with Spider-Man right on his tail.

Greg Norman shot his second straight 70 at treacherous Royal Birkdale today, sinking testy putts at the final two holes to hang on as the only player at par midway through golf's oldest major championship.

But no one was hotter than Colombian heartthrob Camilo Villegas, who closed a 5-under 65 - the best round yet - with an astonishing five straight birdies.

Among Norman's fans: former tennis great Chris Evert, who married Norman last month.

"That was quite an ordeal last few holes," Norman said. "I felt like it was getting away from me a little bit."

Villegas, dubbed "Spider-Man" for his unique style of reading putts, has long been more flash than substance. He's never won on the PGA Tour, but put himself right in contention at a tournament known for unlikely champions, including Ben Curtis and Todd Hamilton.

"It was a fun round," said Villegas, playing his first British Open. "It's very different than what we're used to playing in the United States."

EARLY LEADERS

Second round

Greg Norman 70-70-140

Camilo Villegas 76-65-141

Rocco Mediate 69-73-142

G. McDowell 69-73-142

Jim Furyk 71-71-142

Robert Allenby 69-73-142