Johnson leads

Long-hitting Dustin Johnson closed in on the world No 1 ranking when he took the second-round lead at the weather-plagued Genesis Open at Pacific Palisades in California yesterday. Johnson overcame some errant iron shots midround, storming home with three birdies in the final four holes for a five-under-par 66 on the damp and unusually lush Riviera course. The US Open champion posted a 10-under 132 halfway total in the event, one stroke better than fellow Americans Pat Perez (66) and Cameron Tringale (64). The PGA Tour got a big break when 71 players made the cut, making it possible to complete 72 holes today.