Ryosuke Kinoshita stormed to the top of the leaderboard with a sizzling eight-under-par 62, taking a one-shot lead over Korea’s Ryu Hyun-Woo heading into the weekend at the Kansai Open Golf Championship on Friday.
Related: Kota Kaneko shares early lead in Kansai Open
The 33-year-old began the day three shots off the lead in a tie for 12th place but quickly surged up the leaderboard with a stunning front-nine 29, carding four birdies and an eagle.
Although he dropped a shot on the par-four third hole, Kinoshita bounced back with four consecutive birdies starting from the fourth. He dropped another shot on his closing ninth hole but still finished the round with a two-day total of 12-under-par 128 at Hino Golf Club in Shiga Prefecture.
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Despite mourning the recent passing of his father-in-law, Kinoshita remained focused as he chases his fourth JGTO title this week.
“My father-in-law passed away during the Chunichi Crowns, so I wasn’t in the right condition to play this week. But my wife has been encouraging me, and I found the energy to strike the ball well today,” said Kinoshita.
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“My iron shots have been strong this year, and I’ve been hitting them with confidence this week. The direction, distance, and control have all been good. Kansai is my hometown, and winning here would mean a lot to me.”
