Nico Echavarria blasted a 6-under 64 on Friday, matching his 64 from Thursday, to lead by two strokes over Taylor Moore and Justin Thomas after the second round of the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP.
Thomas shot 64, while Moore shot 67 after taking the lead in the first round with 63. Three other players were within three shots of the lead, including Seamus Power, who shot 62 at ACCORDIA GOLF Narashino Country Club.
Thomas has twice won the PGA Championship, but is winless in 2 years on the PGA TOUR.
Eric Cole (67) and C.T. Pan (66) were also 3 behind going into Saturday.
“I’ve never had a lead after 36 holes,” said Echavarria, a Colombian who is an Alumni at the University of Arkansas. His only win on TOUR came last year at the Puerto Rico Open.
He scored a two-round score of 12 under 128.
“I’ve had it after 54, but never after 36, so I’m glad to be in this position. There has to be some pressure. Hopefully, a good round tomorrow will keep me in the lead or near the lead. And as I mentioned yesterday, the goal is to be close with 9 holes to go.” He added.
Rickie Fowler, a fan favourite in Japan due to his ties to the country, fired 64 after opening with 68 and was 4 strokes down heading into the weekend. Max Greyserman was also 4 back after a 68.
“It would be fantastic to win here; I came close a few years ago.” said Fowler whose Mother has Japanese roots.
Fowler tied for second place in 2022.
Fowler described his roots as “long gone from Japan, though I’m sure I have family here, but I don’t know anyone.” Growing up, Japanese culture was always part of life. I always appreciate being here.
Hideki Matsuyama, a Japanese star, fired his second 71 and was 14 strokes behind the leader.
Defending champion Collin Morikawa scored 67 to get within eight shots of the lead, while Xander Schauffele, the Open Championship and PGA Championship winner this season, shot 65 and was 10 back following a 73 on Thursday.
“I think I have a strong game plan out here. Simply put, I need to improve my shot execution.” said Collin Morikawa ; another player with Japanese roots.
“I’m the reigning champion, but that doesn’t imply I’ll play better just because I won here. It’s a new week, one year later. I feel like my golf game is still in fantastic shape. I simply haven’t performed my shots. When that does not happen, golf becomes slightly more difficult.” He added.
Schauffele turned 31 on Friday and stated that he was serenaded before his first tee shot. He also has connections to Japan. His mother grew up in Japan, and his grandparents reside in the Tokyo area.
A nice way to celebrate my 31st birthday.
