INZAI CITY, Japan (AP) — Nico Echavarria shot a 6-under 64 on Friday — matching his 64 on Thursday — to lead by two shots over Taylor Moore and Justin Thomas after the second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan. Thomas shot 64 and Moore carded 67 with three others just three shots off the lead including Seamus Power, who had the day's low round of 62 at the Narashino Country Club. Thomas has twice won the PGA Championship but is winless in two years on the PGA Tour.
Eric Cole (67) and C.T. Pan (66) were also three behind heading to Saturday.
“I’ve never had a lead after 36 holes,” said Echavarria, a Colombian who played at the University of Arkansas. His lone PGA win was last year in Puerto Rico. He had a two-round total of 12-under 128.
"I’ve had it after 54, but never after 36, so it's good to be in this position. There's got to be some pressure,” he added. “Hopefully a good round tomorrow can keep me in the lead or around the lead.
And how I said yesterday — the goal is to be close with nine holes to go.” Rickie Fowler, a crowd favorite in Japan because of his connections to the country, shot 64 to go with an opening 68 and was four shots back going into the weekend. Max Greyserman was also four behind after a 68.
“It would be amazing to win here,” said Fowler, whose mother has Japanese roots. “Came close a few years ago.” Fowler tied for second in 2022 Fowler described his roots as "pretty far removed for Japan, but I'm sure I have relati.
