Nico Echavarria shot a 6-under 64 on Friday, matching his first-round score, to take a two-shot lead at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP with a two-round total of 12-under 128. Taylor Moore and Justin Thomas, who both performed well with Thomas shooting a 64 and Moore carding a 67, are in pursuit just behind him.
Seamus Power had the day’s low round with a remarkable 62, leaving him among three players just three shots off the lead, alongside Eric Cole (67) and C.T. Pan (66).
Echavarria, a Colombian who attended the University of Arkansas, expressed excitement about holding the lead after 36 holes for the first time, having previously only led after 54 holes. He mentioned the pressure of maintaining the lead and aimed to stay close as they head into the weekend.
Rickie Fowler, popular in Japan due to his mother’s Japanese heritage, also shot a solid 64, placing him four shots back. He reflected on the significance of competing in Japan, noting his cultural connections, and expressed a desire to win, having come close in 2022.
Defending champion Collin Morikawa shot 67 and is now eight shots behind, while Xander Schauffele, who celebrated his 31st birthday, shot 65 and is ten back. Schauffele’s ties to Japan run deep, with family connections in the country.
Both players are looking to improve their games as the tournament progresses, with Morikawa emphasizing the need for better execution of his shots.
Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama shot a second consecutive 71, leaving him 14 shots off the lead.
