Ryunosuke Furukawa carded the day’s lowest round of eight-under-par 64 to head into the weekend rounds of the inaugural Richard Mille Charity Tournament in a share of the second round lead with Riki Kawamoto on Friday.
Related: Riki Kawamoto storms home to take early lead
Overnight solo leader Kawamoto, traded nine birdies against three bogeys to sign for a 66 and a two-day total of 15-under-par 129 at Noto Country Club.
Ren Yonezawa matched Furukawa’s efforts with a 64 of his own to secure outright third place, while Tomoyo Ikemura is a further shot back in fourth place after rounds of 65 and 66.
Making his sixth start on the JGTO this season, Furukawa is chasing his maiden win and got off to a hot start on the back-nine with six birdies to reach the turn in 30.
The 24-year-old continued his birdie blitz from holes one to three, making five straight pars before a closing bogey on nine spoiled his card.
“I lost my concentration due to the heat yesterday, but it was better today. I hope to maintain this good run of form as I’m in a good position and I want to give it my best shot,” said Furukawa.
“I’m the kind of person who can get quite nervous. Hopefully, I can calm those nerves this weekend, especially if I’m in front, at the top of the leaderboard.”
