Los Angeles ? Toru Taniguchi of Japan wants to join the PGA Tour without having to go through qualifying school. The best way is to win, and he certainly appeared headed in that direction Friday in the Nissan Open.

Despite his only bogey in the first two rounds, the 34-year-old known as the “Japanese Tiger” had a 4-under 67 and a one-stroke lead going into the weekend.

“I’m very happy and surprised to be in front,” he said through a translator.

Taniguchi was at 133, one stroke ahead of Jesper Parnevik, Len Mattiace, Brad Faxon and Scott McCarron.

Faxon had a 67 at Riviera Country Club, scene of his greatest PGA Tour round in 1995, when he had a 28 on the front nine and closed with a 63 in the PGA Championship to earn a spot on the Ryder Cup team.

Bob Tway had a 68 and was another stroke back, while David Duval showed once again that nothing beats a clear head. He has a history of performing well after taking time off, and a 69 on a clear, breezy day off Sunset Boulevard left him only three strokes back.

Robert Allenby had a 66 and was at 139. Sergio Garcia had a 67 and was at 140.

Former Kansas University golfer Matt Gogel shot a 73 and failed to qualify by one stroke.

They refer to Taniguchi as “Tiger” on the Japanese tour because he pumps his fist whenever he makes birdie and prefers to wear red shirts on Sunday. His results bear no likeness to Tiger Woods. Taniguchi has won only three times on that circuit, and he hasn’t won since 2000.