A rush of three birdies over the final six holes Friday lifted Satoshi Higashi into a two-stroke lead over fellow overnight co-leader Toru Suzuki midway through the Japan PGA Championship.
Higashi carded a 2-under-par 69 over the Caledonian Golf Club's 6,901-yard, par-71 course to stand atop the leaderboard at 6-under 136 as he aims for his first victory since winning four titles in 1995.
Suzuki, meanwhile, grabbed a one-stroke lead with a pair of birdies against a bogey before the turn, but could only finish at even-par for the round to remain at 4-under for the tournament.
Tateo Ozaki, winner of last week's Fujisankei Classic, birdied the final hole of a 69 to move into a share of third place at 3-under 139 with Nobuhito Sato.
Fujii in front
AMAGI, Fukuoka Pref. (Kyodo) Sixth-year pro Kasumi Fujii fashioned a 3-under-par 69 Friday to grab a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Vernal Cup RKB Ladies.
Rookie Riko Higashio, meanwhile, knocked down three birdies against a lone bogey to sit a stroke further back at 2-under 70 along with three others.