Kota Kaneko took the outright lead at the halfway stage of the inaugural Fortinet Players Cup after carding another bogey-free five-under-par 66 on Friday.
The 23-year-old has yet to drop a shot at Narita Hills Country Club after 36 holes and will head into the weekend with a two-shot lead over Taiki Yoshida and Ryo Ishikawa, who are tied for second after posting matching three-under-par 134 totals.
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Kaneko, who won his maiden JGTO title at the Kansai Open in May, started strongly with two birdies on holes one and two. He picked up another gain on the seventh before closing with two more birdies in his final four holes.
Reflecting on his performance, Kaneko said his round went largely according to plan, with just one tricky moment.
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“There was probably just one tough moment today — on the 14th hole, where I had about a two-metre par putt left,” said Kaneko. “It’s a long hole, and you really need to hit a solid tee shot there. For some reason, it just feels difficult to stand comfortably on that tee box.”
Kaneko, who is aiming for his second return to the winner’s circle, said he has maintained good rhythm with his ball-striking since the Japan Open.
“My shots have been good since the Japan Open, and I think I’ve been able to maintain that rhythm,” he said. “If you don’t find the fairway here, you can’t really go for the pins, so keeping the ball in play has been important.”
Despite playing through some neck discomfort this week, Kaneko said it hasn’t affected his focus.
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“Since last week, I’ve had a stiff neck from sleeping awkwardly,” he said. “It still hurts, but I’ve been playing well, so I’m trying not to let it bother me.”
With the season entering its final stretch, Kaneko admitted that he is motivated by the opportunity to contend for the JGTO Money Ranking title.
“I want to get at least one more win,” he said. “If I can do that, I think I’ll have a shot at the Money Title. Winning it would secure my playing rights and give me the opportunity to challenge overseas.”
