JGTO Abroad: Hoshino survives tough conditions in Bahrain

Rikuya Hoshino is the sole Japanese survivor in the Bahrain Championship on a tough, windy Friday, which blew some competitors off the course, including Keita Nakajima and Masahiro Kawamura.

Hoshino hung tough in high, gusting winds to sign for a one-over-par 73 at the Royal Golf Club, heading to the weekend in a tie for 27th with an aggregate of three-under 141.

Starting from the 10th tee, Hoshino brilliantly birdied twice in his opening three holes, but all his good work was undone with two bogeys conceded on the 13th and 14th.

Despite giving away two more shots on the third and seventh, Hoshino showed plenty of character, salvaging a birdie back at the last to stay within striking distance for a maiden DP World Tour win this week.

The halfway stage lead was shared by three players - South African Dylan Frittelli (68), Sweden's Jesper Svensson (65), and Joel Girrbach of Switzerland (70) - all on nine-under 135.

Nakajima had two double bogeys on his way to a disastrous 77, causing him to miss the cut by just one shot, set at even-par 144.

Kawamura fared even poorer with an 80, concluding his campaign on six-over 150.

Ends.