23 years old Taiko Nishiyama joined 3-way co-leader group by scoring 7 under for 2R.
"My shots for these 2 days are really great, and I am also being able to make the putts when I get the chances."

As he said, he played bogey free round with 7 birdies to score 65.
"I think 65 of this course is more than great."

Taiko started out in the afternoon group. He took a glance at the leaderboard and was his university senior Kazuki Higa making a big move.
"I was Kazuki making it to 11 under and I was hoping I could get closer. I am very glad that I caught up with him."

Taiko will be in final group with Kazuki on Saturday. Taiko recalls that Kazumi was unreachable during the university days, as Kazumi has been a top amateur player since junior days.
"But when I became Pro, he is so kind and nice to me. So, I feel relaxed playing with him tomorrow."

Taiko says, he doesn't get nervous much.
"It is because I don't think much, I guess. I don't calculate my yardages to precisely, I just measure it with my instinct and hit it. It works better for me."

So, he as no pressure battling against his university senior.
"I am really happy and looking forward to it. And of course, I want to win."

Taiko is same age as Naoyuki Kataoka who has won his 1st victory at Japan Players Championship by Sato Shokihin, and Ryuichi Oiwa who is now No.1 on Mercedes Point Rankings.

"Same age rivals are doing so well, and they are really talented, so I want to be among them."