Leishman fades as Johnson flexes muscles in Maui

AS Maui’s trade winds blew Marc Leishman’s hopes of winning the Tournament of Champions away, world No.1 Dustin Johnson rocketed to favouritism to claim the title in even tougher final day conditions.

Johnson demonstrated the experience that comes with his eighth appearance at the win- ners-only US PGA Tour event in Hawaii, claiming the lead after a windy third round at Kapalua’s Plantation course.

The big-hitting Johnson fired a brilliant seven-underpar 66 to go two shots clear in front at 16 under.

Australian world No.12 Leishman accepted he’d all but blown his title chances after he squandered a share of the overnight lead with a threeover 76 to finish the day nine shots behind. “It’s disappointing, given I was in a good position starting the round and now I’m out of it,” Leishman said, after dropping to equal 12th in the 34-man field.

Overnight co-leader Brian Harman (69) climbed to outright second and will join Johnson in today’s final group, while Spanish world No.4 Jon Rahm matched Johnson’s 66 to take solo third at 12 under.

World No.7 Rickie Fowler (68) and Jason Dufner (69) share fourth one shot back.

With gusts forecast to reach 56km/h during the final round, Johnson said he would draw on his experience of winning the 2013 event — when winds were so severe the tournament started three days late.

“I’ve played this golf course, obviously, quite a few times and I like it. It’s fun to play,” said Johnson.

Although conceding victory is likely out of reach, Leishman still has plenty to play for with the 34-year-old on the cusp of a career-first foray into the top 10 on the world rankings.

With seven of the world’s top 10 players present, the nocut Tournament of Champions is a rankings goldmine.

Fellow Australian Cameron Smith continued his climb back up the leaderboard with a 68, moving him to six-underand in a share of 17th.