Japan Tour: Oda catches Maruyama

Koumei Oda boosted his chances of defending the Casio World Open with a stunning, 2nd-round 7-under 65 on Friday.

Koumei Oda boosted his chances of successfully defending the Casio World Open with a stunning, 2nd-round 7-under 65 that took him into a share of the lead on Friday.
The 31-year-old local, who competed at The Open at Turnberry earlier this year, but failed to make the cut, picked up eight birdies while dropping just one shot on the short 11th at Kochi Kuroshio Country Club where he has joined seasoned Shigeki Maruyama in the halfway lead on 12 under.
Maruyama also carded a 65 in his second successive flawless round as the 40-year-old chases a first win on the Japan Tour since returning full-time this season.
Nothing is wrapped up just yet, however.
Money leader Ryo Ishikawa shot a 66 to move into a group of six players in a share of third at 10 under.