Dustin Johnson tied the course record to open up a five-shot lead after day two of the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai. The American hit a nine-under-par 63 on Friday leaving him on 12 under for the tournament, with Rory McIlroy, Boo Weekley and Bubba Watson tied for second, five shots further back. Johnson&aposs round started in superb fashion as he birdied six of the opening seven holes to reach the turn in just 30. A bogey at 10 hindered his progress slightly, but he picked up further shots at 13, 14, 15 and 18 to leave him in a great position ahead of the final two days. The 29-year-old is looking to win his season-opener for the second year running, and has won at least one title in the last six PGA Tour campaigns. After scoring three under on day one, he is in good shape to add to his tally of seven career titles. “Yesterday, I didn&apost start off so good but I played well after that,” he said. “I hit it really good out of the gates (today) and obviously I putted really well.” Former world number one McIlroy had led after Thursday&aposs play, and he looked good value to extend his lead following three consecutive birdies at the 6th, 7th and 8th holes that took him to 10 under. But the Northern Irishman failed to replicate that form after the turn, with bogeys at 11, 15 and 18 and no birdies, leaving him trailing the American. “(It is) disappointing, frustrating,” he commented after his round. “Obviously I played nicely on the front nine and then started to hit a lot of sloppy shots on the back.” Watson&aposs round included six birdies, but a dropped shot at six coupled with a double-bogey at the 10th spoiled his card, while Weekley – who had endured an inconsistent first round – picked up five strokes and had no bogeys. The tournament remains wide open with the likes of Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els and Ian Poulter all in the top 10, while Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose and Keegan Bradley are among a group of seven players who are tied 11th on five under. Scott Hend is the pick of the Australians on one under in a share of 31st position.
Author: Omnisport