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Wagner maintains lead in rain-affected Houston Open

05/04/2008

American unknown Johnson Wagner leads the Houston Open by three shots as the second round draws to a close.

Most of the players had finished their rounds when rain hit the course forcing some to finish off on day three of the event.

However, Johnson's lead is unlikely to be affected by anyone still on the course after adding a round of three-under to his course-record breaking 63 from day one.

The 28-year-old made five birdies but two bogeys in his round stopped him from streaking further ahead of the field.

Having never been in the lead of such a prestigious event before Wagner said he hoped the occasion would not affect his game negatively.

"You have to use it to your advantage. Nerves don't have to be a bad thing. They can always be a good thing," Wagner insisted.

Despite the two bogeys Wagner said he was pleased to still be in the lead.

He added: "I missed a bunch of chances coming in, but I'm pleased with the round."

Wagner is three shots ahead of Australia's Matthew Goggin and America's Charley Hoffman. Goggin carded a round of eight-under-par to move into a tie for second place while Hoffman added a second round of two-under to his first round score of seven-under.

Joint overnight leader Adam Scott had a poor second day. The defending champion has fallen back to five-under-par after carding a round of four-over.

Five bogeys blighted the Australian's round while the effect of his three birdies was all but obliterated by a costly double-bogey at the 18th hole.