AFP, Boston :
Kevin Chappell, who is hoping to end a string of bridesmaid finishes this season and claim his first PGA Tour title, has a one-shot lead after 36 holes of the Deutsche Bank Championship.
The 30-year-old American took the solo lead with a birdie on number 16 as he emerged from a duel Saturday with England’s Paul Casey to finished with a seven-under 64.
“There’s no secret that the more I’m smiling, the more I’m having fun, the better I’m playing,” said Chappell, who finished the first two rounds at 11-under 131.
“I finished bogey-double bogey and kind of played my way out of the tournament (last Friday at The Barclays). I really was bothered by that and didn’t want to let that happen again.”
Casey parred the last two holes in his 66 to stay one stroke back and even with American Jimmy Walker, who fired a 64.
Brian Harman posted a 65 and is two back in solo fourth after taking the clubhouse lead with his impressive morning round.
The reigning US Open champ Dustin Johnson had a 66 and is three off the pace and tied for fifth with Smylie Kaufman, who also shot 66.
