Johnson leads at Riviera, edges towards No.1 spot

PACIFIC PALISADES: Dustin Johnson edged closer to golf’s world No.1 ranking on Saturday, firing a five-under par 66 to seize a one-stroke lead after two rounds of the weather-hit Genesis Open.

The US Open champion, who could jump from No.3 in the world to No.1 with a long sought victory at Riviera Country Club, had a 36-hole total of 10-under par 132.

He was one shot in front of US compatriots Pat Perez, who closed with back-to-back birdies for a 66, and Cameron Tringale, who had seven birdies in an impressive sevenunder 64.

It was a further two strokes back to Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas and Americans Patrick Rodgers and JT Poston on 135.

Johnson, whose six top-10 finishes at Riviera include a playoff loss two years ago, could supplant Jason Day atop the world rankings if he can break through for a first win at the classic course west of Los Angeles.

“I want to put myself in position to win this golf tournament, that’s really all I care about is what it takes to get it done here,” Johnson said. “The rest of the stuff, the points and world golf rankings, yeah, I would like to get there, but I’m not worried about it.”

If Johnson wins, Day must finish no worse than a two-way tie for third to hold Dustin Johnson plays his shot from the sixth tee. on to the top spot.

Eighteen players were within five strokes of Johnson’s lead. That included two-time major winner Jordan Spieth, who headlined a group on five-under 137.

Those missing the cut at even par included Japan’s world No.5 Hideki Matsuyama — who also had a chance to overtake Day with a victory this week. He imploded in the adverse conditions on Friday and couldn’t get back on track as he closed out a nine-over par second round on Saturday.