Nakajima shows the way to the top, shares lead with trio of compatriots

Two of JGTO's current top performers, Keita Nakajima and Takumi Kanaya, are part of a four-way tie for the lead on a congested leaderboard at the halfway stage of the Fujisankei Classic.

The 23-year-old Nakajima bounced back from being three-over through 12 holes to shoot a one-under-par 69 at the picturesque Fujizakura Country Club, setting the clubhouse target at four-under-par 136.

This score was later matched by Naoyuki Kataoka (69), Taichi Nabetani, and Kanaya (both shooting best-of-the-day 68s).

Hiroshi Iwata, the 2014 champion, sits in sole possession of fifth place, just one shot off the lead, having carded a 70. Ryo Ishikawa, aiming for his third title at the tournament, shares sixth place with 2021 champion Shugo Imahira and Hirotaro Naito, all three having carded identical 70s.

Starting from the 10th tee and only one shot behind, Nakajima experienced a dip in his standing with bogeys on the 12th and 15th holes, before dropping another shot on the third.

Yet, the unflappable Nakajima demonstrated why he's currently the hottest player on the Tour, making four consecutive birdies from holes five to eight.

"Despite being three-over after 12 holes, I didn't feel too stressed and remained resilient," said Nakajima, who has already claimed victories this season at the ASO Iizuka Challenge Golf Tournament and the Yokohama Minato Championship - Fujiki Centennial.

"This course is indeed challenging, so I'm pleased to have finished under par. Those four consecutive birdies were particularly satisfying."

Encouraged by his strong performance, Nakajima, who has also finished as runner-up three times this season to top the JGTO money list, eagerly shared his aspirations for the final day.

"Playing in the final group on the last day is my preference. It's where I feel most at ease. This position offers the best chance to win, so I'm preparing mentally for that challenge tomorrow," he shared.

Kanaya, currently second behind Nakajima on the money list, started strongly with two early birdies on the second and third holes but didn't make much progress for the rest of the day.

He gained another shot on the 10th but couldn't keep a perfect scorecard, dropping a shot on the 12th.

"My tee shot landed in the left rough, which was rather deep. I was torn between laying up or taking the risk. I chose a full swing, and the ball ended up in the woods. Despite this setback, I feel I salvaged the situation with a decent bogey. That was my sole bogey for the day, so overall, I believe I played well," Kanaya remarked with optimism.

Having consistently placed in the top 10 during his previous three appearances, Kanaya shared his strategy for navigating the demanding course and expressed his determination to clinch the title this time.

"It's undeniably a challenging course. My strategy centres on keeping the ball on the fairway and ensuring accurate shots onto the green. I believe this approach significantly contributes to my success here," he explained.

"Every time I play this course, I'm confident in my game. Naturally, my goal is to win. But above all, I'm determined to stay true to my style and give it my all."

Leading second round scores:

136: Keita Nakajima 67-69, Naoyuki Kataoka 67-69, Taichi Nabetani 68-68, Takumi Kanaya 68-68;

137: Hiroshi Iwata 67-70;

138: Hirotaro Naito 68-70, Ryo Ishikawa 68-70, Shugo Imahira 68-70;

139: Park Sang-hyun (Kor) 67-72, Hiroki Tanaka 71-68.