Golf-Champion Mahan charges one ahead at River Highlands

NEW YORK, June 20 (Reuters) - Holder Hunter Mahan fired a flawless seven-under-par 63 to surge into an early one-shot lead in Friday's second round at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut.

The 26-year-old American, making the most of receptive conditions on an overcast day at the TPC River Highlands, piled up seven birdies for a nine-under total of 131.

That left him one ahead of compatriot Brad Adamonis, a rookie on the 2008 PGA Tour, who carded a 68.

Tour veteran Kenny Perry returned a 67 to lie a further stroke back at seven under, level with fellow Americans Heath Slocum and Tom Pernice junior.

Mahan, who won last year's title in a playoff with compatriot Jay Williamson, liked the look of River Highlands when he first saw the course.

"I just feel comfortable here," he told reporters after collecting two birdies in his last four holes.

"I just seem to roll good shots here. I make a lot of free swings and I can play golf and I don't have to worry about where the ball might end up.

"I hit it really well today off the tee and into the green," added Mahan, who arrived at River Highlands fresh from a tie for 18th at last week's U.S. Open.