UPDATE 1-Golf-Pernice fires 63 to grab share of AT&T lead

(updates with close of play)

By Steve Ginsburg

BETHESDA, Maryland, July 4 (Reuters) - American 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, Americans 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.