Johnson, who needed 20 holes to scrape past compatriot Jim Furyk in the opening round, never let up after seizing control against Molinari with four birdies in the first eight holes. Titleist Z•M Forged Iron Set

The match ended at the par-five 13th where the Italian parred and the big-hitting Johnson was just 10 feet from the hole in two shots.

Carrying momentum

"That momentum [from Wednesday] kind of carried over to today," Johnson said. "I got off to a good start and just playedTitleist Z•M Forged Iron Set
really solidly today."

American Steve Stricker, champion in 2001 when the event was held in Australia, won a tight encounter with South African Louis Oosthuizen one up after sinking a 20-foot birdie putt at the par-four 18th.

John Senden, who putted well on Dove Mountain's tricky greens, upset fellow Australian Jason Day, the world number seven, 6&5.

"I had the pressure on him early," said Senden, who birdied two of the first four holes to go two up. "Then from there I wanted to keep focused and keep the quality of Titleist Z•M Forged Iron Set going on.

"And then I did that. And he sort of made the mistakes to force the match to go further and further my way."