Overnight leader Tatsuya Kodai, together with Ryutaro Nagano and Ryo Katsumata will take a one-shot lead into the weekend after they returned with matching two-day totals 12-under-par 130 at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship on Friday.
Related: Tatsuya Kodai sets the pace at Panasonic Open
The 37-year-old Nagano posted a six-under-par 65 – the lowest score of the trio – to stay in the hunt for his maiden breakthrough on the JGTO while Kodai carded a 68 and Katsumata signed for a 66 at Izumigaoka Country Club.
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Playing the day after a promising 62, Kodai admitted to feeling the pressure. “I felt fired up from the first tee and was hitting good distances. My form isn’t bad, so I had birdie chances, but compared to yesterday, I felt some stress. The aggressive pin placements tested every shot.”
Nagano, recovering from his first missed cut of the season last week, credited rest and focus for his strong performance. “I did take some time to rest this week to refresh, and it helped me stay competitive and focused on the course today,” said Nagano.
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29-year-old Katsumata, meanwhile, credited his course management, especially with the long rough, for keeping him in contention for his maiden JGTO title.
“Keeping it on the fairway was key, but when I do end up in the rough, my putting has been strong. So I’ve aimed for safer spots rather than going straight for the pin, and that strategy has helped me stay at just two bogeys over two days.”
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Looking ahead to the weekend, Katsumata, who finished tied-fourth last year, said, “I can’t help but think about it – I want to get revenge from last year, but I’m trying not to rush things. If I stick to my plan, good scores will follow. I want to compete without letting nerves take over and make sure I don’t fall behind the senior players,”
