One of the Srixon sponsored tournament hosting professional, Shota Akiyoshi has kept his leader position after 2R, by totaling his score to 10 under. He has 1 shot lead onto the weekends and given himself a good chance to grab his 3 rd career victory, a win his has been away since 2018 season.

He suffered serious injury by having a bone fracture due to his hip joint problem and has been having tough time getting his game back. Thanks to his physical trainer's great support, he has gained his performance back.

"I was really nervous in the morning, since I haven't been at leader's position for quite some time. My body felt as if I was on a cloud or something."

As he said, his first tee shot landed inside the trees and his shot was losing accuracy. He started out with a bogey, and also had another one at 4th hole, but he says, "I gradually got my act together", and he repeatedly made back-to-back birdies on his back nine to get back on the track.

His father was at the course today to cheer him and seemed very pleased of his son's come back.

"I made hi worry so much about my injury, so I am glad that I was able to let him see that I am okay now."

Past winners of this Dunlop Phoenix have the names of Jumbo Ozaki, Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka engraved.

"So many of the legendary and world's top-class players has won here. So, I really want to become part of this tournament's winner list."

Shota will challenge to become the Srixon sponsored hosting tournament professional to win, since Hideki Matsuyama has accomplished in 2014.