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Defending champ Stricker vaults into PGA Barclays lead
2008-08-23
PARAMUS, New Jersey (AFP) - Defending champion Steve Stricker, who has not won since his victory last year, fired a bogey-free seven-under 64 to vault into the lead after the second round of The Barclays. "I didn't think the scoring was going to be this low," Stricker said. "It is a good course. You've got to do a lot of good things." The American not only had five birdies but he eagled the par-five third, holing a shot from 65 yards out. He has a three-stroke lead on compatriot Hunter Mahan after moving to 10-under 132 through 36 holes. Mahan was the first round leader. "The greens are tough. And when Hunter goes out and shoots that nine-under round yesterday, it shows you that it is capable and it is out there." Mahan got off to a fast start in the opening event of this year's FedEx Cup playoffs, firing a 62 on Thursday. However, he failed to build on his dominant position as conditions toughened in the afternoon and bogeyed three of his first eight holes and five overall Friday. "Putts," said Mahan when asked the difference between his two rounds. "No question, especially Thursday morning to Friday afternoon, it's a different golf course. The greens are definitely bouncy and firmer and definitely played tougher." Angel Cabrera (67), Kenny Perry (67) and Dudley Hart (69) are tied for third place at six-under. Perry got off to a blazing start with four birdies on the front nine, but bogeys at Nos. 12 and 13 stalled his momentum. Sergio Garcia closed with consecutive birdies to finish off a 67, moving the silky, smooth Spaniard to 5-under 137 overall. He is joined at that number by Americans Anthony Kim (67) and Paul Streelman (70) and England's Paul Casey (71).
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