Furyk surges into tie for early lead at Canadian Open

MARKHAM, Ontario, July 27 (Reuters) Title-holder Jim Furyk, hunting his first victory of the year, took advantage of calm morning conditions to charge into contention at the Canadian Open today.

The American world number three fired a five-under-par 66 in the second round at the Angus Glen Golf Club to hold a share of the clubhouse lead at seven-under 135.

Bidding to become the first player to win successive Canadian Open titles in 56 years, Furyk finished level with compatriots Brandt Snedeker (68) and Cliff Kresge (65).

Two more Americans, Dicky Pride and Brett Quigley, were a further stroke adrift after shooting matching 68s.

Australia's Steve Allan held the outright lead at 10 under with nine holes to play, two ahead of first-round leader Hunter Mahan of the US who had completed seven holes.

Furyk was delighted to start the second round in ideal early conditions after opening with a 69 on a windy Thursday afternoon, yesterday.

''This morning, we had it pretty perfect, even though it got a little breezy for our second nine,'' the 37-year-old told reporters. ''(They were) much better conditions to score in than we had yesterday.'' Furyk, who has posted four top-five finishes in his last six PGA Tour starts, birdied his first two holes before reaching the turn in four-under 32.

After trading another birdie at the par-five first with a bogey at the second, he picked up his final shot of the day at the par-three fourth to set the early pace on Angus Glen's North Course.

''I'm in decent shape, but I won't know how seven under stacks up until the day's over,'' the 12-times PGA Tour winner added.

''It could be in pretty good position, or it could be quite a few back.'' Mahan, two ahead overnight after equalling the lowest 18-hole score in the tournament's history with a three-eagle 62, lost ground when he double-bogeyed the par-three fourth.

The cut was projected to fall at one-under 141, with 2002 champion John Rollins among the likely casualties.

Reuters BJR VP0108