Current top 3 of the Money Rankings were in the same group on the Round 1 of the season finale Golf Nippon Series JT Cup. The fierce battle between No.1 Shugo and No.2 Shaun was a seesaw game for the front nine. Both made the turn at 1 under. First it was Shugo who made 2 birdies in a row from 10th. But Shaun caught up with him and went a step forward by making 2 birdies on the finishing holes.

After taking a birdie on Par 5 17th, Shaun made a great tee shot at final Par 3 18th with 3I, which got to 3-meters to the pin. He nailed it and finished with 66, 1 shot behind the leader with 4 under. 1 shot lead against Shugo Imahira.

Battle for the Order of Merit race is down to only 2 players, and it just happened to be the same card as of last season, Shugo vs Shaun. Shaun had to cry over losing to Shugo last year and he is eager to make the revenge. Shaun is determined to win this week to make it happen.

Shaun was ready to make a great battle against Shugo 3 weeks ago at MSBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters by announcing "Shugo, I will catch up with you". But unfortunate accident occurred, and Shaun had to withdraw from the game due to his stomach illness. On the other hand, Shugo won the tournament and made the gap wider for Shaun to catch up.

"Last year I wanted to catch him so bad. But I found out that I play my best when I am enjoying the golf. So, I will stick to enjoying my play no matter what happens this week" said Shaun.

"Shaun took the lead by making 2 straight birdies on the final holes, but we still have 3 more days to play and I know that I have my chances too."

On the well-known slicky fast greens of Tokyo Yomiuri CC, Shugo seemed to be short on his putting.
"Greens has so many undulations and it is so difficult to read the lines. I was short many times today, so I want to adjust my touch by tomorrow" said Shugo.

Only the top 30 players make the prestigious field, but only 2 players are eligible for the chance to grab the Order of Merit Champion title. Many players consider the season finale as a festivity, but as for Shugo, "to me, it's just another tournament". Shugo is Shugo, keeps his calmness and concentration at any circumstances.