Jason Day leads at WGC-Bridgestone
World number one Jason Day has taken a one-shot lead at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at a tricky Firestone.
The Australian fired a one-under 69 in Akron, Ohio, on Friday to move to four under.
Day is a shot clear of Swede David Lingmerth and two ahead of overnight leader William McGirt, Emiliano Grillo and Scott Piercy.
One-time major winner Day mixed three birdies with two bogeys, including a blemish at the last.
He made birdies on 16 and 17, the latter from 16 feet, before narrowly missing his attempted par save on the last.
Jason Day responds to Adam Scott’s birdie at the 17th. #QuickHits https://t.co/vkavmxITmX
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 1, 2016
Nonetheless, Day will take a lead into the weekend after McGirt in particular struggled.
The American carded a four-over 74, battling on the back nine.
McGirt was even par through his first nine holes, but had a double bogey and two bogeys to finish.
His day was summed up on the last, where he found the bunker to produce a six and slip back into a tie for third.
Lingmerth was far more impressive with a 67, while Grillo (71) and Piercy (69) were solid.
Jordan Spieth and Adam Scott are among those lurking just behind.
World number two Spieth had a 71 to be at one under alongside Scott (68), Justin Thomas (69) and Kevin Kisner (70).
Rickie Fowler is also in contention despite a 73 leaving him at one over.
Defending champion Shane Lowry, however, continued to struggle and sits at eight over.
