Ireland’s Seamus Power had an outstanding round to make a significant climb in the standings at the PGA Tour’s Zozo Championship in Japan.
Power shot an impressive 62, with eight birdies and no bogeys, at Narashino Country Club, propelling him to tied-fourth place at nine under, just three strokes behind halfway leader Nico Echavarria.
Echavarria, who carded a second consecutive 64, leads by two strokes after a round where he recorded seven birdies and only one bogey. Justin Thomas, with a final-hole eagle, is tied-second with first-round leader Taylor Moore.
“I’ve never had a lead after 36 holes,” Echavarria said. “I’ve had it after 54, but never after 36, so good to be in this position. Game feels good. Not much is going to change and hopefully we can keep putting it like that.”
Rickie Fowler and Max Greyserman are tied-seventh after both shooting 64, while defending champion Collin Morikawa is tied-22nd despite a second-round 67.
Xander Schauffele, celebrating his 31st birthday, bounced back from an opening-round 73 with a five-under 65, but remains 10 shots behind. Hideki Matsuyama is tied-65th after back-to-back 71s.
How Power moved into PGA Tour contention
Power had a strong start to the day, making par saves on his first three holes before beginning his birdie streak. He birdied the fourth from 15 feet, chipped in on the fifth, and sank a 20-footer on the sixth.
The two-time PGA Tour winner continued his impressive play on the back nine, reaching the turn in 30 and capitalizing on the par-five 14th. He finished with eight birdies, tying him for fourth place with Eric Cole and CT Pan.
Seamus Power carded a second-round 62 to move into contention in Japan
Power continued his strong play with more birdies in the later part of his round, ending with a birdie on the last hole. He attributed his success to making crucial putts and feeling confident on the greens.
Watch the Zozo Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues on Saturday from 4am on Sky Sports Golf or stream with NOW, with the event part of a triple-header of live golf.
