Recovering Pernice sizzles to join AT&T lead

By Steve Ginsburg

BETHESDA, Maryland (Reuters) - Not even a painful hip injury could slow Tom Pernice from surging to the top of the AT&T National leaderboard on Friday with a stunning second-round 63.

Pernice fired eight birdies and only one bogey on the demanding Congressional Country Club course for a share of the lead with Jeff Overton.

The soft-spoken Pernice told reporters that he had worked nonstop with his trainer for two days to improve his mobility.

"I've been struggling with my left hip all week," he said. "I've been playing well, so I've just been trying to work and rest and get in good enough shape so I can get around here.

"It seems to be getting a little bit better every day... (With) more 63s, I think it will get even better."

Pernice shot an opening round of 68 but moved into contention for a first tournament win since 2001 by climbing to nine-under.

The 48-year-old birdied the third hole before dropping a shot at par-four fourth as a posse of players jockeyed for positions at the top the leaderboard above him.

"All of a sudden I caught fire at six," said Pernice, who birdied four successive holes to move to six-under par before birdying again on 13 and 16.

He put the final brushstroke on his fine day by coming home in three at the challenging par-four, 466-yard 18th.

"I'm thrilled," he said. "Shooting a 63, seven under par around this golf course is pretty special.

"I'm happy to have myself in position. Let's see what happens on the weekend."

(Editing by Padraic Halpin)