Byrd, Lewis share first-round lead at John Deere Classic

SILVIS, Ill. -- Jonathan Byrd, in his second year on the PGA Tour, and 1999 champion J.L. Lewis shots 6-under 65s Thursday and shared the first-round lead at the John Deere Classic.

Vijay Singh, third on the PGA Tour's money list this year, closed with an eagle and birdie to finish at 66, tied with Chris Riley who finished his round with a three-putt bogey.

Eight players were two shots off the lead, while six others had 68s at the 7,193-yard Tournament Players Club at Deere Run, near the Quad Cities.

Several of the marquee names remain within striking distance of the lead, including Justin Leonard (69) and leading money-winner Davis Love III (70).

Defending champion J.P. Hayes also had a 70, nine shots off his course-record opening round last year. He won with a 22-under total.