Xiong, Champ tied

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Norman Xiong's ability to make the hard shots on another damp, chilly day made the rest of his second round much easier Friday at the Sanderson Farms Championship.

Now the 19-year-old is not only playing on the weekend for the first time on the PGA Tour, he's in contention.

Xiong shot a 5-under 67 for a share of the lead at the Country Club of Jackson in just his seventh career start. He's even with Cameron Champ, who settled for a 70 after finishing with back-to-back bogeys.

For Xiong — who is in the field because of a sponsor's exemption — two straight solid days on the course have helped him build confidence. He and Champ were 9 under for the tournament.

"I guess it finally proves that I belong out here, or hopefully one day eventually can be out here permanently," Xiong said.

Shawn Stefani and Jonathan Byrd were one shot back, each shooting their second straight 68. Hudson Swafford (68), Seth Reeves (70), Scott Stallings (67), D.J. Trahan (70) and Chad Ramey (70) were two shots back.

Xiong started his second round on the back nine and made eagle on No. 11 after hitting a 55-foot putt from the fringe. He followed that encouraging start with two chip-ins for birdie on No. 16 and then No. 6.

"They really kind of take off the pressure on a day like this when it's windy and the pins are not as accessible," Xiong said. "You can play safe off those good breaks."