Semikawa stays in the hunt in Hawaii

Taiga Semikawa has positioned himself well to contend for a potential PGA Tour win after firing an impressive five-under-par 65 in the second round of the Sony Open in Hawaii on Friday.

Semikawa, who celebrated his 23rd birthday just the day before, continued to impress at the Waialae Country Club, tallying seven birdies against two bogeys to climb to the 14th position at seven-under 133.

Semikawa, who just turned 23 on Thursday, continued to impress at the Waialae Country Club when he fired a five-under-par 65, shooting up to the tied 14th position at seven-under 133.

He will enter the weekend just two shots back of a trio of leaders - China's Carl Yuan (65), American Austin Eckroat (66), and South Korea's Byeong Hun An (64).

Semikawa missed an opportunity to finish the day at a higher position. Beginning his round from the 10th hole, he managed six birdies in the first 14 holes, placing himself just one shot behind the leaders.

However, his momentum dwindled with consecutive bogeys on holes six and seven.

To his credit, he recovered with a birdie on the last hole, ensuring he remains firmly in contention.

Yuto Katsuragawa posted a second successive 68, but his performance couldn't prevent him from sliding nine spots to T38.

Nonetheless, he concluded the day as the second-highest-ranked Japanese player, finishing at four-under 136.

French Open champion Ryo Hisatsune performed well, ensuring his advancement to the weekend rounds in his inaugural start as a PGA Tour rookie.

Hisatsune carded a 68, placing him tied for 55th at 137, while the 2022 champion, Hideki Matsuyama, successfully fought back with a 68, securing his place in the competition with a score just above the cut line set at two-under 138.

This ensures a strong representation for the Japanese contingent in the ongoing event.

The road came to an end for four other Japanese competitors – Kensei Hirata (139), Takumi Kanaya (140), Aguri Iwasaki (143), and amateur Rintaro Nakano (144).