World number one Dustin Johnson and second-ranked Justin Thomas will fight for the top spot as well as a Masters green jacket this weekend at Augusta National.
The American rivals and major champions will settle which of them belongs atop the world rankings come Monday even if neither manages to swipe his first Masters crown, although thats their top priority.
Both share sixth on 3-under par 141 after 36 holes, six strokes adrift of leader Patrick Reed, who was a runner-up to Thomas at last years PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
"I feel like Im in a good position," Johnson said. "There are some birdie holes out there. Conditions are tough, so youre going to have to play a good solid round. Im in a good spot."
"Its very important to me. Its a huge goal of mine," Thomas said of number one. "But at the end of the day, if I just continue to play well and be in contention and win tournaments, its something I feel like that's going to take care of itself."
"It is a huge deal," Thomas said. "And when and if its meant to be, and however long, then it will happen."
"That was a year ago. At this point I dont even think about it," Johnson said. "But, yeah, Im definitely happy to be back here. And to put two pretty good rounds together is even better heading into the weekend."
"Whatever the weather is, weve got to play in it," Johnson said. "Thats OK with me. The tougher the better."
- Thomas sub-70 at Masters -
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"It was a good day, solid, nothing crazy, nothing out of the ordinary. I just tried to stay patient and understand that the back nine, you can make a lot of birdies where you can kind of get on a little run."
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