BETHESDA, Maryland (Reuters) - Tom Pernice shot a sizzling seven-under-par 63 to seize a share of the lead with compatriot Jeff Overton after the second round of the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club Friday.

Despite battling a bothersome hip injury, the 48-year-old Pernice had eight birdies and one bogey on the challenging 7,255-yard, par 70 course that will host the 2011 U.S. Open.

"I've been playing well and you never know when a round like this is going to jump up," said Pernice. "I'm thrilled at my position.

"Shooting a 63, seven-under-par around this golf course is pretty special."

Pernice's 63 put him level with Overton at nine-under 131 with 36 holes to play. The duo were three shots clear of their closest challengers, Anthony Kim and Cliff Kresge.

The 25-year-old Overton shot a bogey-free 65 to complement Thursday's opening round 66 and put himself in position to win his first championship.

"The three fairways I missed, I birdied all three of them," said Overton, who had made the cut just eight times in 18 tournaments this year.

"Anytime you do that, you're going to be doing pretty good."

Rain forced a 97-minute delay but the round was completed just before darkness settled in.

Steve Stricker was one-over after the opening round but shot a 64 to jump into a seven-way tie for fifth at five-under 135. He birdied the first two holes and continued to play aggressively.

"After birdieing one and two, it's easy to let up and just play conservatively and maybe make a bogey," Stricker said. "But I tried to keep the momentum going."

Holder K.J. Choi shot a 71 and was at one-under 139, while U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate carded 68 but was one-over at 141. Overnight leader Steve Marino shot a 70 and was among the seven players tied for fifth.

"Obviously would have liked to have played a little bit better today, but even par out here is not awful," said Marino. "It could have been a couple shots worse."

The shot of the day was turned in by Corey Pavin, who carded a hole-in-one on the par-three, 218-yard 10th. He shot a 67 for the day and was even-par for the tournament.

(Editing by Martin Petty)

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