Juken Sangyo Open champion Keiichiro Fukabori ran in seven birdies in a 6-under-par 64 to storm into a two-shot lead on 9-under 131 on Friday in the season-ending Nippon Series JT Cup.
Fukabori opened strongly at Tokyo Yomiuri Country Club, grabbing birdies at five holes in the front nine to move two strokes clear of second-placed Takenori Hiraishi, who also shot a 64 in the elite tournament featuring just 26 players.
Overnight leader Toru Taniguchi dropped down into a tie for third four shots off the pace on 135 at the halfway stage along with Frankie Minoza of the Philippines who shot a 64.