BY ARTHUR UTLEY

Times-Dispatch Staff Writer

Roger Newsom and Chip Sullivan are the leaders at the halfway point of the SunTrust State Open at Independence Golf Club in Chesterfield County.

Newsom, a 44-year-old ophthalmologist from Virginia Beach, and Sullivan, PGA professional at Ashley Plantation in Daleville near Roanoke, are tied for first with 36-hole totals of 7-under-par 137.

Newsom posted a 2-under-par 70, and Sullivan a 4-under 68 today.

They have a three-stroke advantage on five players at 4-under 140: PGA professional Eric Cobb (71) of Verona; Old Dominion University senior Jeff Long (70) of Centreville; first-round leader Ted Brown (74), a mini-tour player from Richmond; amateur Tony Good (73) of Glen Allen; and professional Jimmy Flippen (69) of Danville.

Professionals Cameron Yancey (72) of Blackstone and Chris McCartin (66) of Arlington are at 141. Liberty University golf coach Jeffrey Thomas is at 142, and eight players are at 143.

Seventy players at 6-over 150 made it through to the weekend. McCartin, playing in the final group, eliminated nine players at 151 with his 66, the low round of the day. Defending champion Josh Meador (75-76) was among those who didn't survive.

Contact Arthur Utley at autley@timesdispatch.com