Johnson makes move in Tour Championship

US Open champion takes one stroke lead as injured Day withdraws

Dustin Johnson edged closer to the USPGA Tour’s $10 million (Dh36.7 million) FedEx Cup playoff prize on Friday, firing a three-under par 67 to seize a one-stroke lead in the season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia.

US Open champion Johnson, who arrived at East Lake Golf Club atop the playoff standings after his win at the BMW Championship two weeks ago, fired five birdies with two bogeys for a sevenunder total of 133.

He was one shot in front of fellow American Kevin Chappell, who started the day in a three-way tie for the lead with Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama and signed for a secondround 68 for 134. It was three shots back to Matsuyama, who shot a one-over par 71, and Kevin Kisner (70) on 137.

World number one Jason Day’s season ended in disappointing fashion as the Australian walked off before completing the eighth hole with back pain. It’s the same injury that forced Day out of the final round of the BMW Championship, although he had voiced cautious optimism that he would be in the race this week.

A statement from Day’s management team described the injury as a “strained ligament in his lower right back with a muscle spasm” and his withdrawal as a “precautionary measure”.

The top five players in the playoff standings coming into the $8.5 million season finale can each claim the bonus with a victory.