Record breaking Barnes on top

By Larry Fine

FARMINGDALE, New York (Reuters) - Ricky Barnes fired a five-under-par 65 for a record 36-hole total of 132 to grab a one-shot lead over fellow American Lucas Glover midway through the second round of the weather-delayed U.S. Open.

PGA Tour rookie Barnes, the 2002 U.S. amateur champion who posted an opening 67 on Friday, came back on Saturday to birdie three of the nine holes he had left in his second round and go eight under par in the rain-marred tournament.

"It's pretty cool," the 28-year-old told reporters at Bethpage Black. "At the beginning of the week you didn't think that score was out there.

"Obviously with some tees moved up and the soft greens helped out. My ball striking was probably the most impressive part," added Barnes who has carded only one bogey this week.

Holder Tiger Woods, who struggled to an opening 74, returned a 69 for 143.

LOWER SCORES

"I need some lower scores, the course could be had out there," said the world number one. "If you don't have mud on your ball you can pretty much go after every flag."

Woods would have to match the biggest 36-hole comeback in order to win his fourth U.S. Open and 15th major. Lou Graham came from 11 behind to win the 1975 edition at Medinah.