Asaji sets early pace

Yosuke Asaji fired an eight-under-par 64 to take the early lead in the Shigeo Nagashima INVITATIONAL Sega Sammy Cup on Thursday, as South African Jbe Kruger, American Todd Baek and South Korea’s Song Young-han also got off to a solid start.

The 30-year-old Asaji, aiming for his fourth JGTO victory, recorded nine birdies in an impressive performance, finishing one stroke ahead of Toshinori Muto, Mikiya Akutsu, and Takumi Kanaya at the North Country Golf Club.

The only setback of the day was his failure to maintain a bogey-free card after bogeying the par-five ninth, his final hole of the day.

However, Asaji had no complaints about how the day went for him.

"I was aiming for the bunker, so I had no other option. I was frustrated, but I preferred finishing with a bogey rather than a double bogey," he said.

"My shots were average, but my putting was exceptional. The longest putt I made was from about four to five meters on the fourth hole."

Leading the leaderboard for the first time since winning the Mynavi ABC Championship in December 2021, Asaji doesn't want to put unnecessary pressure on himself by aiming for stardom.

"I just want to play it safe. Instead of targeting an eight-under like today, I'd be happy if I could shoot in the 60s and perform well for the remaining three days," he said.

"I'd like to be in contention for sure, but for now, I just want to quietly do my best tomorrow."

Since his last victory, Asaji has been going through a rough patch. Last year, he made the cut in only nine out of 21 appearances, with a solo 12th finish at the Japan PGA Championship being his most notable result.

The situation hasn't improved this season, as he has made only five cuts in nine starts so far.

However, an encouraging tied-10th finish at the JAPAN PLAYERS Championship last week, his first top 10 in 18 months, could be the turning point.

"I gained more confidence compared to the beginning of the season. I've been gradually building my confidence," said Asaji, who also won the Diamond Cup and ANA Open in 2019.

Kanaya, who returned to JGTO action this week after finishing runner-up to Keita Nakajima at the ASO Iizuka Challenged Golf Tournament, underlined his intention to contend for his second title of the season with a flawless round of 65, including seven birdies.

The 25-year-old has been in excellent form, winning the BMW Japan Golf Tour Championship Mori Building Cup and finishing third at the Mizuno Open.

"It was a good start to a tournament that I really enjoy playing. I like it here because the course is beautiful, and hole 16 has a different feel compared to last year," he said.

"I believe the weekend will be exciting, so I hope to play in a way that adds to the excitement.

"With many people watching, the atmosphere will be energizing, so I'm looking forward to it."

Kruger shot a 66, marking his best start of the season and placing him just two shots off the lead in a tie for fifth.

After trading a birdie and a bogey in his first four holes, Kruger elevated his game, recording a hat trick of birdies from the seventh hole and making further gains on the 13th, 14th, and 17th holes to emerge as the highest-placed international competitor on day one.

American Todd Baek and Song Young-han both carded matching 68s to tie for 10th with six others, while Justin De Los Santos of the Philippines sits a further one shot back.

Leading first round scores:

64: Yosuke Asaji;

65: Toshinori Muto, Mikiya Aukutsu, Takumi Kanaya;

66: Jbe Kruger (Rsa), Ryutaro Nagano;

67: Takashi Ogiso, Sho Nagasawa, Shugo Imahira;

68: Kenta Endo, Todd Baek (US), Naoyuki Kataoka, Shunya Takeyasu, Jinichiro Kozuma, Kazuki Yasumori, Song Young-han (Kor), Taiga Nagano.