Defending Champion Ryo Ishikawa played well again on R2 to score 68, and sits 1 shot behind the leaders at 3T, total 7 under after R2.
"I was able to make really good Iron shots today", referred Ryo.
He gave himself a great chance at 5th which led to 3 straight birdies. On his last hole before the turn, he got from the bunker to 1.2-meter on the 9th for a birdie.

Ryo changed his shaft of the 1W longer at US Open 2 weeks ago. This week he has shortened his putter shaft.
"I used to have 35 inches, but it felt long and heavy. I guess feeling changes as you get older."

Ryo says, his arms are long regardless of his height, and new 33 inches putter fitted just right as he naturally placed his arms down. He has put away his ace putter which accompanied him for 10 years, and now he is using flat stick type.

The cutline after the 2 Rounds were at Even Par 54T, and 67 players made their way into the weekends. Rikuya Hoshino, who was able to make appearance under special conditions was 1 shot short. He seemed to have some aching pain on his right shoulder.

Also, Massy Kuramoto, who played with Ryo and Rikuya couldn't make the cutline either.
"The mistake on 9th costed me. If I could have birdied that hole it was different story", regretted Massy and added, "I think Rikuya was also tired from jet rag".

What Massy was referring to was, his 3rd shot from the fringe went over the green to the fringe on the other side, and it took him 4 shot to get it on the green and 2 putted for bogey on Par 5.

As for Rikuya Hoshino, he will stay in restriction in the lodge until Monday, and he will fly away again for The Open coming up in 2 weeks.