Japanese Yuto Katsuragawa, a familiar name in the Philippine golf scene, rose to the top of the leaderboard following a spectacular eight-under-par 63 at the Vantelin Tokai Classic at the Miyoshi Country Club’s West course in Japan Friday.
The 23-year-old, who played for Manila Southwoods during his amateur days, eagled the par-5 12th hole and collected six birdies in a flawless round to move to 11-under and seize the clubhouse lead.
Katsuragawa made his pro debut two years ago and recorded his maiden victory at the ISPS Handa Championship last April.
Overshadowed by Katsuragawa’s explosion was Juvic Pagunsan whose 70 moved him into a temporary share of 19th.
Pagunsan made four birdies against two bogeys despite missing five greens.
Justin de los Santos, on the other hand, shot 71 to settle for 4-over total.
Over in Taiwan, Miguel Tabuena bogeyed the final hole to settle for two-under-par 70 in the Mercuries Taiwan Masters at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club.
Tabuena climbed into a temporary share of eighth spot on 5-under, seven strokes behind leader Rashid Khan of India.
Starting at the back, the Filipino bounced back from a bogey on 12 with three straight birdies only to cap his first nine holes with a bogey.
Going home, he dropped a shot on 2 before knocking in three birdies in the next five holes.
Justin Quiban made the cut on 1-over after a 73. He had four birdies against one bogey and two double bogeys.
Angelo Que missed the cut after limping home on 78 for 4-over total.
