Jones leads weather-hit Token Homemate Cup

Two-time champion Brendan Jones of Australia produced a stellar six-under-par 65 on Friday at the weather-delayed Token Homemate Cup, securing a one-shot clubhouse lead before play was halted due to fading light.

The day's proceedings faced delays as inclement weather and subsequent course maintenance at Token Tado Country Club Nagoya in Mie prefecture pushed back the start of the second round by more than five hours.

Action is set to resume at 7.30am local time on Saturday, with 90 players returning to conclude their second rounds. As of Friday evening, the projected cut line stood at two-under with 90 players. The third round scheduled to tee off at 2pm.

Despite a shaky start with an early bogey on the 10th hole, Jones quickly found his rhythm, rallying with a birdie on the 12th before scoring four consecutive birdies to make a dazzling turn at four-under 32

Jones continued to impress on his way back to the clubhouse, adding two more birdies on holes four and six to reach the 36-hole mark at 11-under 131, sparking hopes of securing a remarkable third victory in the tournament

It was in the 2019 edition of the Token Homemate Cup that Jones last tasted triumph on the JGTO, marking his 15th career win.

Since then, he has been striving to add to his accolades without success.

With a remarkable tally of 15 victories, Jones stands as the second most successful foreign player in JGTO history, trailing only behind compatriot Graham Marsh, who boasts an impressive 20 titles.

Jones has refused to get carried away just yet.

"Well, it's only 36 holes, so it's a bit silly to be talking about winning anything at this point. It's not even 36 holes because half of the field hasn't even played two rounds," said Jones.

"I'm in a good position. I'm almost retiring and you know, it's nice to be in the mix again, but I'm not thinking any further ahead than the third round tomorrow.

"The first two days have been good. I've only made one mistake, and the rest of the game's been pretty solid."

Taisei Shimizu was the other player who made a big push towards the top of the leaderboard, as his faultless 63 placed him in a tie for second with overnight leader Rintaro Nakano at 10-under for the tournament.

The amateur star Nakano has yet to tee off.

Behind them were Atomu Shigenaga, who birdied seven of his first nine holes en route to a 62, the low round of the day, joining Koshiro Maeda in joint fourth at nine-under.

Ends.