Max Homa takes solo lead heading into the weekend at the Genesis Invitational

Max Homa shot a three-under 68 at the Genesis Invitational on Friday to take the lead heading into the weekend.

After sharing the lead with Keith Mitchell at the end of the opening round, Homa relied on a flurry of birdies at the turn to take a solo one-shot lead in his second trip around The Riviera Country Club.

The American he fought off a pair of early bogeys to make shots at the ninth, 10th, 11th and 13th en route to a 10-under total.

Meanwhile, Mitchell is still on Homi’s heels at nine under, par Jon Rahm and Lee Hodges.

Northern Ireland Rory McIlroy slipped back a bit from Friday’s 69 but remains in the hunt for six under par.

A win for McIlroy would see him overtake Scottie Scheffler as world number one, regardless of the latter’s result, while third would be good enough for him unless the American finishes in the top 25 or Rahm wins or is outright second.

England Danny Willett is a shot further back, while compatriot Tommy Fleetwood and Ireland’s Shane Lowry are among a host of players on four under.

The second round will resume early on Saturday after play was suspended due to darkness.