Koura get early head start with opening 63

Kazuya Koura gave himself an early career breakthrough on the JGTO when he posted a first round eight-under-par 63 to set the early pace at the Yokohama Minato Championship- Fujiki Centennial on Thursday.
 
The 31-year-old holds a slender one-shot advantage over Mikiya Akutsu at the Yokohama Country Club after trading nine birdies against one bogey on the par-four 11 to give himself an early boost ahead of the next 54 holes at the ¥120,000,000 event which features a 150-men field.
 
Justin De Los Santos of the Philippines and South Korea’s Song Yong-han lead the international charge in tied-10^th place after returning with matching 66s. 
 
“It’s still very early days in the tournament. But I’m glad I managed to put myself in a good position heading into the next three rounds. I read the lines very well today and putted well,” said Koura, when asked about his promising start.
 
Like Koura, Akutsu is also chasing his maiden win on the JGTO this week and he remains upbeat of his chances after signing for a 64. 
 
“My iron shots were spot on today and I made several good putts too. Today’s score has really given me the motivation to do even better and I’m looking forward to getting back into the rhythm when the second round starts tomorrow,” said the 29-year-old.
 
Leading first round scores
*All Japanese unless indicated otherwise
63 – Kazuya Koura
64 – Mikiya Akutsu
65 – Kenya Nakayam, Taiga Semikawa, Shgeru Nonaka, Kazuki Higa, Aguri Iwasaki, Takashi Ogiso, Taihei Sato

Selected 
66 – Justin De Los Santos (Phi), Song Yong-han (Kor)
 
Ends.