Ogiso assumes control at season-ending Golf Nippon Series JT Cup

Takashi Ogiso will head into the weekend with the lead for the first time this season after carding a two-under-par 68 for a one-shot advantage over Korea’s Song Yong-han at the season-ending Golf Nippon Series JT Cup on Friday.
 
The Korean, who held the overnight lead, slipped to second following a 71, while Yusaku Hosono is a further shot behind after he signed for a 70 at the Tokyo Yomiuri Country Club.
 
Ogiso started the second round, tied for second with Hosono. But he would end the day in pole position after mixing his card with four birdies, one eagle, two bogeys and a double bogey for a two-day total of seven-under-par 133.
 
The 28-year-old’s last win on the JGTO came at the Hana Bank Invitational last year. He has notched five top 10s this season, where he almost secured his second win at the Panasonic Open before finishing tied-second. 
 
Despite holding a slender lead, Ogiso is ready for the final push for a grandstand finish as he closes out his season.
 
“I had a couple of near misses this season, and in most situations, I simply could not get the job done. But being able to get into contention just shows how much my golf has improved
 
“It feels great to be the leader after two rounds and now it’s time to build upon this lead as I really want to win this tournament,” said Ogiso.
 
Meanwhile, current money ranking leader Kota Kaneko, is a step closer towards sealing his top ranking on the 2025 JGTO season after posting an improved 67, which he credited to his putting.
 
“My putting was better today than yesterday. I was able to make some good ones. My plan was to get myself back to around even par today and I’m happy I managed to do so,” said Kaneko.
 
An opening 72 left Kaneko tied for 23^rd after the first round. But he now trails Ogiso by six shots in tied-11^thwith 36 holes left to play.
 
While he is close to securing the money ranking title, the 23-year-old, who has won twice this season, is looking forward to getting himself back into the mix for his third JGTO win this week.
 
“I’ll need another good score tomorrow, or I won’t have a chance, so I’ll give it my best again,” said Kaneko.
 
Leading second round scores
133 – Takashi Ogiso 65-68
134 – Song Yong-han (KOR) 63-71
135 – Yusaku Hosono 65-70
136 – Taiki Yoshida 68-68
137 – Hiroshi Iwata 67-70 
 
*All Japanese unless indicated otherwise
 
Ends.