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Zach Johnson shares lead at John Deere

SILVIS, Ill., July 11 (UPI) -- Defending champion Zach Johnson shared the lead with Camilo Villegas Thursday at the end of one round of the John Deere Classic.

The co-leaders shot a 7-under 64 over the TPC Deere Run course, which yielded 90 sub-par scores in the opening round.

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The 64 equaled Villegas' low round of the year. His once-promising career has faded over the past two seasons and he missed the cut in six of his first 10 appearances in 2013.

Villegas has shown recent signs of a comeback, however, by making the cut in six straight events. He tied for 10th last month in Memphis.

Johnson and Villegas had a one-shot lead over Brandon de Jonge, Matt Bettencourt and Daniel Summerhays. Recent PGA Tour winner Boo Weekley was among those tied for sixth at 66 while three-time John Deere champion Steve Stricker, Davis Love III and Nick Watney were part of the group at 67.

In addition to moving into contention for a fourth title at this event, Stricker said Thursday he would skip next week's British Open to be with his wife as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.

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Jonas Blixt, who won last week at the Greenbrier Classic, struggled to a 74.

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