WGC-HSBC Champions Golf Shanghai
Dustin Johnson is in pole position to win the WGC-HSBC Champions after equalling the course record in Shanghai on Friday.
Johnson made ten birdies in a brilliant 63 as he opened up a five-shot lead over Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson and Boo Weekly.
First-round leader McIlroy, after opening the tournament with a seven-under par round on Thursday, could only fire an even-par second round of 72, while Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Tommy Fleetwood, Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell are all tied for fifth.
McIlroy started the second day with three birdies on the front nine. However, he then dropped two shots before finding the water as he tried to reach the par-five 18th in two – resulting in another bogey.
Meanwhile, the world number 28, Hideki Matsuyama has been forced to withdraw from the tournament with a bad back.
The 21-year-old had opened with a one-under par round of 71 on Thursday but was unable to start his second 18 holes because of the injury.
Matsuyama finished in the top ten at both the US Open and The Open earlier this year as well as being involved in last month’s Presidents Cup.
McIlroy is now 13/2 to win the WGC-HSBC Champions while Ernie Els can be backed at 40/1 and Phil Mickelson at 20/1.
Our selection …Ian Poulter lies just off the pace in 5th at -6 with a full two rounds to play and still available at 28/1 with Betfair.
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