Smith closes in on Pavin

Corey Pavin’s lead was cut to two shots when the US Bank Championship resumed at Brown Deer Park in Milwaukee today.

Fellow American Chris Smith could not match Pavin’s PGA Tour record 26 for the front nine, but he did turn in 29 and as the first round was completed following yesterday’s storms Smith went on to post a seven under par 63.

Jerry Kelly, who could leap from 22nd to sixth in the United States Ryder Cup race by winning on Sunday, was a stroke further back in joint third place with Indian Arjun Atwal.

German Alex Cejka was the leading European, tied for 21st after a three under 67 as the event tried to make up for lost time.