Las Vegas ? J.L. Lewis is having somewhat of a down year after the best season of his career on the PGA Tour. He’s not happy about it, but a few of the guys just behind him in the Michelin Championship at Las Vegas wouldn’t mind being in his position at all.

J.L. Lewis, right, sinks a putt on the 18th green in the Michelin Championship. Lewis shot a 9-under 63 Friday in Las Vegas.

Lewis shot a 9-under 63 Friday to take the lead at 14 under midway through the Las Vegas tournament, where a player making his pro debut and a veteran struggling to become exempt once again are only a shot behind.

On another windless day in the desert, Lewis took a one-shot lead in relation to par over Chez Reavie, Olin Browne and Alex Cejka with a round that included an eagle, six birdies and no bogeys on a friendly