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Masters champ Matsuyama finds form at home

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Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama is leading the US PGA Tour event in Japan at the halfway mark.
Camera IconMasters champion Hideki Matsuyama is leading the US PGA Tour event in Japan at the halfway mark. Credit: AP

Home country hero Hideki Matsuyama has overcome cold temperatures, rain and recent indifferent form to hold a one-stroke lead halfway through the US PGA Tour's Zozo Championship in Japan.

Masters champion Matsuyama shot a two-under 68 on the 7041-yard Narashino Country Club course on Friday for a total of eight-under 132.

Australian Matt Jones shot a 69 to stay in the hunt as one of seven players tied seventh, four shots behind Matsuyama.

American Cameron Tringale birdied his final hole for a 66 to be in second place, with England's Matt Wallace (69) and American Brendale Steele (68) a further shot behind.

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Chile's Joaquin Niemann shot 71 after an opening 64 and was tied for fifth with England's Tommy Fleetwood (68) on five under.

Temperatures dropped to as low as 12 degrees Celsius late in the second round.

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"It wasn't a perfect round, but I played well. I'm happy with it," Matsuyama told reporters.

"I'm in a good position. Looking forward to the weekend and (will) do my best."

Two days ago at his pre-event media conference, Matsuyama sounded more hopeful than optimistic after recent mediocre finishes.

"If my game scored 10 out of 10 at the Masters, now I would say it scores less than one," he said. "I will be struggling this week, but I am here in Japan, so I am motivated to be in contention."

British Open champion Collin Morikawa shot 68 and was seven strokes behind.

Tokyo Olympic gold medal winner Xander Schauffele, playing in the same group at Matsuyama, shot 74 and was 12 strokes behind the Japanese star.

Only three of the top 20 in the world are playing in Chiba, the PGA Tour's only stop on the Asia swing.

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