PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Robert Allenby finished his round around lunchtime, and left PGA National thinking he'd be within two or three shots of the lead by day's end.

He ultimately was wrong, and probably thrilled.

Allenby shot a 2-under 68 yesterday, getting him to 5 under after two rounds of the Honda Classic and into a tie atop the leaderboard with first-round leader Charlie Wi — who shot a wild round of even-par 70.

Allenby is winless in his past 139 PGA Tour events, yet came here this week insisting that it's only a matter of time before that streak ends — and his play is backing up that assertion.

"I think 5 under is a pretty good score after two days," the Australian said. "This golf course is only going to get tougher from this moment on."

While the wind was down a bit from Thursday, the breezes did pick up a bit as the second round went along — and par remained a very solid score. The cut was 4-over and only 30 broke par, with 71.9 being the average score for the round.

Will MacKenzie and Steve Stricker were tied for third at 3 under after 69s, and Daniel Copra, Joe Ogilvie, Mathias Gronberg, Camilo Villegas and Mark Wilson were another shot back. Wilson and Gronberg shot 66s, the best round of the day.

Hawai'i's Dean Wilson and Parker McLachlin both missed the cut. Wilson, a Castle High alum shot 78—152, while McLachlin, a Punahou School graduate, was also at 152 after a 72.

JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC

ENGLISHMAN LEADS WAY

PHUKET, Thailand — England's Oliver Wilson had two eagles on his way to a 6-under 66, taking the lead after two rounds of the Johnnie Walker Classic yesterday.

Wilson eagled the 11th and 15th holes for a 134 total and a one-shot lead over Anton Haig, who produced the day's most stunning performance, an 8-under 64 at the Blue Canyon Country Club.

Australian James Nitties finished with a 67, sharing third with Retief Goosen (68) at 136.

Wilson was bogey-free until the 18th, where he struggled before sending home a 6-foot putt.

"There was a twig which I couldn't move, Wilson said. "I made a mess of it all the way to the green until I got to within six feet of the hole. It was a nice way to finish."