Saturday, August 19 2006 12:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chicago: Luke Donald and Henrik Stenson lead another birdie fest on Friday (18 Aug, 2006) as they each shoot second straight 68s to top a crowded leader board at the 6.8 million dollar PGA Championship.

England's Donald and Sweden's Stenson are in the clubhouse at eight-under 136 after two rounds of the final major of the season at the Medinah Country Club course. Americans Billy Andrade and Tim Herron join them at the top of the leaderboard.

Playing together in a major for only the second time, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson also remain in contention on Friday (18 Aug, 2006). "I just played very consistently," says Donald, who attends nearby Northwestern University.

"I had a good short game and hit good shots."

Donald and Stenson are seeking to end Europe's drought in major competitions.

Europeans have been shut out in major championships since 1999 when Paul Lawrie won the British Open.

"This feels pretty good," says the 30-year-old Stenson, who is ranked 17th in the world.

"I am happy with the way things are going. I put myself in a good position going into the weekend and I'm looking forward to the last two rounds."

Stenson cards six birdies and appears headed for an exemplary round before stumbling late with bogeys on holes 15 and 18.

A combination of windless conditions and soft greens made for an abundance of low scores on Thursday (17 Aug, 2006).

The low scoring continues Friday (18 Aug, 2006) but the Chicago weather turns nasty for afternoon starters, like Donald, who plays through a steady drizzle.

"It was hot and humid and not the easiest conditions," Donald says. Stenson is seeking to become the first Swedish man to win a major.

His previous best finish on the PGA Tour was a tie for third at the 2005 WGC-American Express Championship.

"I have been close a couple of times so it would be great to get the first one. I am going to try my hardest on the weekend," he says. First round co-leader Chris Riley shoots an even-par 72 to move two shots adrift of the clubhouse leaders.

Starting the day at three-under, Woods has two birdies on the front nine to move to five-under.

Reigning British Open champion Woods and Mickelson, who captured the 2006 Masters, have combined to win six of the last 11 majors.

Mickelson is looking to successfully defend a major championship for the first time in his career, while Woods captures the first of his two PGA Championships in 1999 at Medinah.