Another week, another solid start for Kennedy

Australia’s Brad Kennedy repeated his opening day heroics once again as the 47-year-old sits in a tie for eighth place following an opening two-under-par 69 at the ¥150,000,000 BMW Japan Golf Tour Championship Mori Building Cup- the JGTO's flagship event, on Thursday.

Kennedy bagged three birdies on the first, fourth and sixth holes but could not build on the sizzling start as he succumbed to his sole blemish of the day on 17, trailing American pace-setter Jay Choi by four shots.

The three-time JGTO winner was pleased with how things have panned out for him, adding that his confidence is high.

"Getting some good performances on board gives you the belief," said Kennedy, who had two top-four results in the last two starts, including finishing third at the Mizuno Open last week.

"I think it also allows you to loosen up a little bit knowing that you're playing well and being in control of your game as much as you can.

"I hit a lot of fairways today, had the chances but didn't manage to hit more greens."

With still plenty of golf left to play this week, Kennedy admits he needs to keep his concentration in check even as fatigue starts to kick in after playing for four weeks in a row.

"I need to get my body ready for tomorrow, hopefully, to last for the big four days at Shishido Hills. The course is in magnificent shape," he said.

Just one stroke back in a tie for 15th are fellow compatriots Anthony Quayle, the runner-up of last week's Mizuno Open and Dylan Perry.

Quayle carded three birdies and two bogeys, while Perry was left to rue two late bogeys on 15 and 18 after cruising on three-under through 13 holes.