Johnson shares lead; Perry stays close

MILWAUKEE, July 18 (UPI) -- First-round leader Richard S. Johnson held onto a share of the top spot at the U.S. Bank Championship Friday and Kenny Perry stayed within five shots.

Johnson, seeking his first PGA Tour triumph, shot a 3-under 67 Friday for a two-day total of 130. That left him tied for the lead with Nick Flanagan, who vaulted out of the pack with a 63 over the Brown Deer Park course.

Gavin Coles turned in the best round of the tournament, a 62, to move into a tie for third place at 131 with Kent Jones. Ken Duke and Troy Matteson were next at 132.

Perry, who skipped the British Open in the belief he could earn more Ryder Cup points playing in Milwaukee, shot a 68 and was tied for 27th place at 135. Perry has won three of his last five tournaments and stands second on the FedEx Cup points list.

Johnson made the cut for only the fourth time this year.

"It's always hard to follow up a real low round, but I played better today, actually, than I did yesterday," Johnson said. "I just didn't get that many putts to drop today. It was really nice to go out and feel that you can still shoot a low round when you played well yesterday."