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Dustin Johnson ties course record with 63, builds 5-shot lead in Shanghai

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Dustin Johnson of the United States putts on the 1st green during the second round of the HSBC Champions golf tournament at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China, Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (The Associated Press)

Dustin Johnson of the United States waves to the spectators on the 1st green during the second round of the HSBC Champions golf tournament at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China, Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) (The Associated Press)

Dustin Johnson made 10 birdies and tied the course record with a 9-under 63 to build a five-shot lead in the HSBC Champions.

Johnson put himself in great position to start another PGA Tour season with a win. He won the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii last January. This World Golf Championship is his first tournament of the 2013-14 season.

Starting four shots behind, Johnson overpowered Sheshan International with pure, powerful tee shots. He birdied six of the opening seven holes and finished at 12-under 132.

Rory McIlroy reached 10-under at the turn, but struggled on the back nine and had to settle for a 72. He was five shots behind, along with Boo Weekley and Bubba Watson.

Phil Mickelson had a 68 and was seven shots behind.