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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two-time defending champion Steve Stricker birdied the final two holes for a 7-under 65 and a one-shot lead over Ernie Els on Friday after the second round of the Regions Tradition, the first of five PGA Tour Champions majors. Stricker, who has won three of the last four times at Greystone, had four birdies and a pair of bogeys over the first six holes before overtaking Els at the end. A World Golf Hall of Famer, Els shot a 68 in the second round. He was part of a six-way tie for first upon Round 1's completion earlier in the day after play was halted because of bad weather Thursday. Steve Flesch moved to 10 under with a birdie on 18 for a 69.
