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(AP) -- With nothing to lose, Justin Rose put himself in a position for a big gain Thursday at the BMW Championship.

Rose made birdie on half of his holes at tough and chilly Cog Hill for an 8-under 63.

He said it was the best round he has played all year. It was enough to give him a two-shot lead over Mark Wilson and Webb Simpson in the third FedEx Cup playoff event.

Rose is at No. 34 in the FedEx Cup. Only the top 30 after the BMW Championship advance to the Tour Championship with a shot at the $10 million bonus.

Rose played as though this would be his last tournament, and now can think about moving on to East Lake if he can keep this up.

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