The Open: Dustin Johnson quick out of the blocks to take lead on day two 

ON TOP: USA's Dustin Johnson tees off the 18th during day two of The Open at the Old Course, St Andrews. Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.

With the winds down and the Old Course softened by a touch of rain and the pace a little brisker, a host of talent charged up the leaderboard Friday morning to overtake idle leaders Cameron Young and Rory McIlroy.

Dustin Johnson climbed to the top of the board with a 67 to get to 9-under, one shot ahead of first-round leader Young. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (68-68) and Tyrrell Hatton (70-66) each caught Young at 8-under.