Tournament article

Gate Way To The Open Mizuno Open 2022

Quayle leads the way

Quayle leads the way 

Australia's Anthony Quayle believes that staying patient and confident will be the key to winning on JGTO for the first time in his career.
 
And that's what exactly inspired the 27-year-old to the top of the leaderboard, tying for the lead with Ryuichi Oiwa as he reached the halfway stage of the Gateway to The Open Mizuno Open on Friday.
 
Quayle shot a two-under-par 70 in blustery second round conditions at the JFE Setonaikai Golf Club for a two-day total of nine-under-par 135.
 
Quayle and Oiwa are just one shot clear of a Shotara Wada, while two more international players, Brad Kennedy of Australia and American Jay Choi, are in a tie for fourth – two shots off the pace.
 
Having learned from his experience at The Crowns earlier this month, Quayle is convinced he is better prepared to manage the expectations of being in the lead.
 
Quayle took the first round lead at The Crowns but would finish the week in a disappointing tied-39th.
 
"I think just staying patient and being confident in myself," replied Quayle when asked what he could better to prevent the meltdown from repeating.
 
Quayle certainly did well to stay in the moment as he did not let two setbacks ruin the day for him. 
 
He first responded to a double bogey on 16 with a birdie at the next and then bounced back from a blemish on hole four with three birdies in his next four holes.
 
"I putted really nicely so far and drove it better than what I have been recently," he said.
 
"I like the course and am looking forward to the challenge over the next couple of days."
 
Meanwhile, Oiwa is determined to make amends for his near miss of a ticket to The Open last year, following an encouraging journey so far.
 
On a day when most players found it tough to deal with the winds, Oiwa fired a 65 after mixing eight birdies with one bogey to storm into contention.
 
"I felt like I'm able to hit it better and better. I was able to swing it ideally even when the wind blew, didn't matter how strong it was," said the Japanese.
 
"I hope to keep the momentum going.
 
"I really want to play in The Open. Last year I came very close and missed the cut by one (just two qualified) with a tied third result.
 
"So, the safest way is to seal the spot as the champion. I definitely want to try to go for the win this year."

Ends.