Matsuyama lives to fight another day as Hisatsune crashes out

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Hideki Matsuyama survived a nervy end to extend his cut-making streak to 10 in a row at the Masters Tournament on Friday.

The 32-year-old had to settle for a second-round two-over-par 74 after double-bogeying the last hole, leaving him tied for 50th place at six-over 150 at the Augusta National Golf Club.

Matsuyama's front nine was filled with ups and downs, as he traded three birdies with as many bogeys, ultimately making the turn at even-par for the day.

Struggling to make headway on the back nine, the Green Jacket winner in 2021 still managed to maintain consistency by paring his first eight holes.

Approaching the par-four 18th hole with a two-shot buffer above the cutline, Matsuyama found himself in trouble when his shot veered to the left.

It took him four shots to reach the green, but he displayed nerves of steel by sinking a crucial putt from four feet to salvage a double bogey.

Despite heading into the weekend trailing the trio of American leaders—Max Homa, Bryson DeChambeau, and Scottie Scheffler—by 12 shots, Matsuyama believes he still has everything to play for.

"I wasn't really thinking about the cut line, but I wasted my last putt. There's a gap between me and the top players, but I'll do my best to play well," vowed Matsuyama.

Matsuyama is yet to miss a cut at Augusta National since the 2014 edition, which remains his sole missed cut in 12 appearances to date.

Matsuyama finds himself as the lone flagbearer for Japan after his compatriot Ryo Hisasutne's campaign was cut short.

Facing an uphill battle after an opening 78, the 21-year-old debutant suffered another tough outing to post an identical score. He mustered just two birdies while conceding eight shots, notably with a double bogey on the par-four 11th.

"I was in a situation where I needed to improve my score today, so although I started well I wasn't able to play well. But I enjoyed the two days, so I'll do my best to come back next year," said Hisatsune.

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Hisatsune will now shift his focus to climbing the ranks and securing one of the top two spots for Japanese golfers on the Official World Golf Ranking before the June 17 deadline, aiming for a coveted debut at the Paris Olympics.

Currently ranked as the third-best Japanese player at 87th, behind Matsuyama (12th) and Keita Nakajima (79th). Hisatsune also faces competition from Rikuya Hoshino, closely trailing in fourth position at 88th.

"The competition to represent Japan at the Paris Olympics is becoming increasingly fierce, so I want to give my best in the remaining tournaments to secure a spot," said Hisatsune.

The race to win the 88th edition of the Masters Tournament has become even mo re thrilling, with world number one Scheffler and Homa both overcoming brutal conditions to salvage scores of 71 and 72, respectively, resulting in a three-way tie at the top at six-under overall alongside overnight leader DeChambeau (73).

The trio now holds a two-shot lead over Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark.

"It was extremely challenging. The winds were up very high, and it blows from everywhere out here. I think even par this afternoon was a really good score," said Scheffler.

"I couldn't really describe how windy it is and how difficult the gusts are just because, I mean, I think you just have to be out there and experience it.

"Everything out there is extremely difficult when it's this windy. So I was definitely –  definitely pleased to get in there at even par.