Kataoka and Nakajima share honours

Naoyuki Kataoka will head into the weekend rounds of the season-ending Golf Nippon Series JT Cup tied for the lead with Keita Nakajima after the 26-year-old signed for a second round five-under-par 65 on Friday.
 
Overnight leader Nakajima suffered a late bogey at the last which denied him of the outright lead as he returned with a 66 for a two-day total of nine-under-par 131 at the Tokyo Yomiuri Country Club.
 
South Africa’s Shaun Norris trails the leaders by four after returning with a 68 to end the day in third place while Takumi Kanaya, Riki Kawamoto and Takahiro Hataji are tied for fourth on matching 136 total.
 
Kataoka, who is searching for his second JGTO win since 2021, charged out strongly with four birdies on holes one, three, six and seven for an outward 31 after starting the day one back of Nakajima. 
 
He dropped his only shot of the day on the par-four 10 but nailed two birdies on 12 and 16 for an inward 34.
 
“I had several chances in the front nine and made some good putts. Watching Keita’s eagle was inspiring, and I thought I give it my all. I managed to play the front nine in 4-under.
 
"It’s been a while since I’ve played from such a good position, so I really enjoyed it. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel too nervous. I’m looking forward to tomorrow—it’ll be fun to watch some good golf while playing alongside Keita,” said Kataoka.
 
Nakajima also issued his statement of intent with an opening eagle-three on the first hole before picking up further gains on holes four and five. He bogeyed nine to reach the turn in 32. 
 
After four straight pars, Nakajima extended his advantage with birdies on 14 and 17 before a closing bogey on 18 cost him sole possession of the lead.
 
“It was a great start. Compared to yesterday, I’ve been able to keep my shots on the fairway more consistently.  My friends will come to watch on the weekend, so I have to make a lot of birdies then (laughs). 
 
“It’s important to still be in contention for the win on Sunday. I’ll focus on my own golf and try to get that win,” said Nakajima.
 
Leading second round scores
All Japanese nationals unless indicated otherwise
 
131 - Keita Nakajima 65-66, Naoyuki Kataoka 66-65
135 - Shaun Norris (RSA) 67-68 
136 – Takumi Kanaya 71-65, Riki Kawamoto 69-67, Takahiro Hataji 66-70
137 – Hiroshi Iwata 70-67, Taisei Shimizu 69-68, Taichi Nabetani 66-71

Ends.