Furyk races up US Open leaderboard

American Jim Furyk, two over par after nine holes yesterday, resumed on three under and pitched to 18 inches on the first to strengthen his bid for a first major at the US Open today.

He also birdied the long sixth en route to an outward 34.

At this stage he was one ahead of not only overnight leader Tom Watson, but also Justin Leonard and Jay Don Blake, who like defending champion Tiger Woods were among the later starters. Woods opened with a level par 70.

Ireland's Darren Clarke was partnering Furyk and after bogeying the fifth he came back with birdies on the next two and was furious with himself for not adding a third at the 496-yard par four ninth, where he hit two great shots to six feet, but missed the putt.

Nevertheless, he is still well in the hunt at one under for the day, the same as Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie – others who were not out until the afternoon.