Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama produced flashes of sheer brilliance to conjure a seven-under-par 64 on Friday, snatching a one-stroke lead at the halfway point of the Dunlop Phoenix tournament.
The 22-year-old, who claimed his maiden victory on the US PGA Tour at the Memorial Tournament earlier this season, carded six birdies and finished with a eagle to end the second round on 10-under 132 with American Jordan Spieth in hot pursuit after a superb 64 of his own at the shoreline course in Miyazaki, on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu.
Japanese media darling and fan favourite Ryo Ishikawa slipped a whopping 12 shots off the pace after a 73, while overnight leader Yuki Inamori followed his opening round of 64 with a 74 to reach the clubhouse tied for 14th at four under par.
The $1.7 million Dunlop Phoenix boasts an illustrious roll-call of former winners, including Tiger Woods (2004-05), Tom Watson (1980, 1997) and Seve Ballesteros (1977, 1981).
Spieth, 21, who finished joint runner-up to Bubba Watson at this year’s US Masters, was joined at nine-under 133 by South Korean Hur In-Hoi following his solid round of 66.
Australian Brendan Jones (69) and Yuta Ikeda of Japan (65) were tied for fourth a further shot back.