THE SIDELINES : U.S., Down Under Lead in Golf

INAGI, Japan — Six-man teams from the United States and Australia-New Zealand were tied for the lead with 14 points today after the second round of the $1.15-million Four Tours World Championship of Golf.

The European team was third with 12 points and Japan fourth with eight.

In the second round, the U.S. team beat Japan, 10-2, and Australia-New Zealand defeated Europe, 8-4.

Fred Couples has been the top player for the U.S. team. He beat Europe’s Nick Faldo, 65-69, in the first round and defeated Japan’s Saburo Fujiki, 66-69, in the second round.

In Saturday’s final matches of the round-robin portion of the competition, the United States faces Australia-New Zealand and Europe meets Japan. The top two teams advance to Sunday’s final.