Otsuki holds two-shot lead at Shigeo Nagashima Invitational Sega Sammy Cup

Tomoharu Otsuki maintained a bogey-free performance for the second consecutive day, shooting a five-under-par 67 to open up a two-shot lead as the Shigeo Nagashima Invitational Sega Sammy Cup reached its midpoint on Friday.

The 34-year-old Otsuki, who began the day as one of four joint leaders, sank five birdies to pull ahead of the chasing pack at The North Country Golf Club with a 12-under 132 total.

"I'm very happy. Yesterday was really good, but I think it's important to make the cut first, so I'm glad I was able to improve today as well," Otsuki said. 

"I just want to focus on making the cut securely and being in a good position."

Otsuki, who claimed his third JGTO victory at the Panasonic Open last year, is pursuing his first win of the year after struggling with form since the season's start. 

He has missed four cuts in 10 tournaments so far, with his best finish being a tied-14th at the Kansai Open.

Given his recent performance, it's understandable why Otsuki isn't getting carried away. He's focused on building upon his strong start rather than setting overly ambitious goals.

When asked about his goals for the weekend, Otsuki replied" "If I can improve my score tomorrow, I'll think about it from there."

The nearest challengers to Otsuki are Kensei Hirata, first-round co-leader Yuki Inamori, and South Korea's Lee Sang-hee, all tied at 10-under overall.

Inamori carded a 69, trading four birdies against one bogey. Hirata finished with a 68 after birdieing two of his final three holes. Lee Sang-hee posted the day's best score of 66, riding a hot start with five birdies on the front nine to grab a share of second place.

Two other opening day co-leaders, Tomoyasu Sugiyama and Terumichi Kakazu, lost ground. Sugiyama posted a 70 to tie for joint fifth at nine-under, while Kakazu struggled to a 74, slipping to joint 21st and seven shots off the pace.

Leading second round scores
132: Tomoharu Otsuki 65-67;
134: Kensei Hirata 66-68, Yuki Inamori 65-69, Lee Sang Hee (Kor) 68-66;
135: Yusaku Hosono 67-68, Tomoyasu Sugiyama 65-70, Yuwa Kosaihira 68-67;
137: Ryutaro Nagano 70-67, Taiga Semikawa 68-69, Tatsunori Shogenji 68-69, Naoyuki Kataoka 69-68, Shugo Imahira 66-71, Satoshi Kodaira 66-71, Tomohiro Kondo 66-71, Shintaro Kobayashi 67-70, Yujiro Ohori 67-70.