Kennedy again in contention in Japan
BY Bruce Young | Japan Tour | 2011 Mizuno Open Yomiuri Classic | Day Two | 24 Jun 2011
The second round of the Gateway to the Open Mizuno Open was played today at the Setonaikai Golf Club in Okayama in southern Honshu and it is the winner of the Totoumi Hamamatsu earlier this season who is again leading the way.
The 35 year old Masanori Kobayashi broke through for his first win on the Japan Golf Tour after more than ten years trying just over a month ago but now has the opportunity of adding a second win in a lot quicker time.
Kobayashi leads by two over the leading world ranked player in the field Kim Kyung-tae, Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng and Australian Brad Kennedy.
Kim played very well last week at the US Open prior to a final round of 76, eventually finishing 30th. Following a birdie at the first hole of Sunday’s round at Congressional Kim was in line for a top five finish but faltered badly over the remaining holes. Still it was an impressive effort in his first US Open.
Kennedy finished 3rd at his last start on the Japan Golf Tour and as a rookie in Japan he is having a very good first season.
Paul Sheehan is the next best of the Australasians in a share of 11th at 2 under, while Brendan Jones is in 49th position.
The leading four players at the end of 72 holes in this week’s field earn the right to play the Open Championship at Royal St Georges and so for players such as Kennedy and Sheehan this promises to be a potentially rewarding 36 holes.
