Dustin Johnson frustrates chasing pack as he takes share of the lead

Dustin Johnson showed few signs of nerves despite the four-way chase for his world No1 spot at the Players Championship as his opening-round 66 gave him a six-way share of the lead.

Britain’s Justin Rose, Spaniard Jon Rahm and American duo Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas could all usurp Johnson in the rankings if results go their way at Sawgrass.

But Johnson showed he has little intention of giving up his position without a fight — he did not drop a single shot, and picked up five birdies in the space of eight holes on the back nine. He will start today’s second round in the lead along with Webb Simpson, Chesson Hadley, Matt Kuchar, Patrick Cantlay and Alex Noren.

For Johnson, it was his best ever score at Sawgrass, a two-stroke improvement at an event where his best finish is a tie for 12th, which he recorded last year.

“I haven’t had the best record here but it’s a golf course that I like,” said the 33-year-old after his first bogey-free round at the course.

“I enjoy playing it and I feel like I should play well here. My expectation is the same for every tournament. I want to play well and put myself in a position to win on Sunday.”

Johnson has made one tweak this week, using a green-reading technique called AimPoint used by Adam Scott, a practice partner in the build-up.

As for those hunting him down at No1, Johnson added: “Every week I know that there’s a chance that someone can overtake me.

“I definitely want to stay there [at No1] but, if someone passes me, it’s not going to change anything. I’m still going to go back the next week and try to get it back.

“It was a big deal to get there and it’s a big deal to stay there. I like being No1 so I want to stay there.”

Rose finds himself in a good position on day one after an opening 68 put him two strokes off the lead, while compatriots Tommy Fleetwood and Ian Poulter carded rounds of 69 and 70 respectively.