Johnson wants to keep number one ranking

World number one Dustin Johnson is in a six-way tie at the top of the leaderboard after day one of the Players Championship at Sawgrass

Johnson, who is facing a battle to keep his number one spot this week, carded a six-under 66 which included five birdies before the turn in his first bogey-free round at Sawgrass in 31 attempts.

Johnson has been at the top of the tree since February last year and wants to stay there but knows he faces a tough battle to keep the likes of Justin Thomas at bay, Thomas finished one over for his round.

Asked about the world ranking situation, he said “Justin has been pretty close to me for a while.

“Every week I know there’s a chance someone can pass me. I definitely want to stay there, 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 number one so I want to stay there.”