Stunning 61 vaults Stricker into contention

Darron Stiles has taken a three-stroke lead in the John Deere Classic, but the headlines today belong to Steve Stricker after a stunning second round.

The 42-year-old tied the course record with a 10-under par 61 that catapulted him into second place behind Stiles.

Starting on the back nine, Stricker made the turn at seven-under-par, highlighted by an eagle on the 17th.

He made two more birdies before suffering a bogey on the third, the only blemish on his scorecard, but he rebounded with two more birdies on the final six holes.

That put the efforts of Stiles in the shade as he carded a six-under 65 to break out of an overnight tie with Lee Janzen, who slipped back with a round of 70.

Tim Petrovic carded a 67 and Jerry Kelly a 64 to move into a tie for third place at nine-under.

Kenny Perry was at six under after a round of 68.

With play washed out yesterday, 36 holes are scheduled for today.