Tournament article

ANA Open 2019

Ryuko Tokimatsu aka "Gen-chan" takes solo lead after Round 2

Ryuko Tokimatsu is having another great round on Day 2 at ANA Open. He made regretful bogey on the chance making hole Par 5 9th, as his tee shot went way left. But he has showed his talent on the final 18th, where he shot 107 yards dead to the pin with PW and grabbed an easy birdie. He closed the round with total 11 under par and has 2 shots lead against the field.

2 years ago, Ryuko was in the 3-way playoff with Yuta Ikeda and Shugo Imahira and he lost to Yuta Ikeda on the 2nd hole. Yuta at that time was not playing his best golf, but he knows how to win. Yuta said after the victory that "I have good days and bad days. I get frustrated when my game doesn't turn out the I wish for. But even in the bad situations, I don't try to force myself to change anything. I try to concentrate more, but I get mad when I get frustrated and I smile when I get happy. That's all."

Yuta scooped away the victory with a tap in birdie. Since that battle, Tokimatsu calls Yuta with admiration, "Taisho (Big Boss)".
"I could never be like Taisho, but I was able to see him win right in front of me and I have learned a lot. Today is only Day 2 and we have 36 more holes to play. All I can do is not to mess up tomorrow and be in the competitive position again on Sunday afternoon."

Ryuko also want to win and give back to his sponsor, Sapporo Beer which was established in local Sapporo area. Big logo is on his caddy bag. They have been supporting him in many ways. He enjoys great food and Sapporo beer at dinner to recharge his power.

"If I keep my top position on the weekends, Sapporo Beer staff might come to see me on the course, so I want to do well."