Henrik Stenson enhanced his hopes of securing back-to-back major titles by claiming the outright lead midway through day two of the US PGA Championship.
Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth were among those to make significant moves as Friday's early starters took advantage of soft conditions following a morning downpour that forced a brief suspension in play.
Yet Stenson, the record-breaking winner of The Open a fortnight ago, was the only man to get ahead of overnight leader Jimmy Walker, who had just begun his second round.
A spectacular eagle at the 18th - Stenson's ninth hole - proved the catalyst as the Swede bounced back from two early bogeys to card a second successive 67 and reach six under.
After setting up his three on 18 with a stunning three-wood from the fairway, Stenson picked up further shots at the first, third and eighth - his form providing a reminder of the spectacular work he produced in getting the better of Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon.
Alongside Walker at five under were 2010 US PGA champion Martin Kaymer, another to finish strongly after a shaky start, and Reed, who racked up seven birdies in a 65 - the equal-best round of the tournament to date.
Spieth threatened to match Reed's score when he reached four under for the day and tournament through nine holes, but last year's runner-up recorded eight pars and a bogey thereafter.
That left Spieth three under, one behind afternoon starters Emiliano Grillo and Ross Fisher.
Hideki Matsuyama was also three off the pace after holing his approach to the second hole, but U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson was certain to miss a cut for the first time since October 2015.
Johnson, a top-nine finisher in his last six starts, followed up his opening 77 with a 72 to be nine over.
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