Yoshikazu Haku posing tough challenge at the Token Homemate Cup in spite of his sickness
Yoshikazu Haku, the 31-year-old golfer from Okayama, in a surprise move, ascended to the second place in the second round of Token Homemate Cup. Haku who has never won on the tour, has performed marvelously well to score six birdies in the first round and
another five in the second. Haku usually does not play at this time of the year due to his chronic allergy to the Cedar pollen, which is at its peak at the start of the spring season.
"I've given up my fight against hay fever, so I'm just trying to do my best on the course without expecting anything," Haku was later talking to the reporters with blurry red eyes and sore throat. "I've never played this well at the start of a season. I
usually have a poor start because of hay fever -- my worst enemy. I'm finally playing well in the spring. It makes me think I might have a great season.” Haku added.
Haku finished off second round with 4-under 67 with an aggregate of 8-under, overtaking many of the first round leaders including, Kim Kyung-Tae, but was unable to grab the lead from the more seasoned, Shingo Katayama. Japan’s golfing sensation, Ryo Ishikawa,
who tied for the 20th spot in last week’s Masters, is currently at the third spot.
Haku’s career-best finish came in 2005 when he finished tied for fourth spot at the Casio World Open. 2006 has probably been the best year in his career when he recorded three top ten finishes. He also ended tied for fifth spot at the coveted Japan PGA Championship
finishing 37th on the money list - his highest so far.
"In the final two rounds, I continue to expect nothing from myself," Haku said. "I hope it'll rain later today as forecast so that the amount of pollen will be much less." Fortunately for Haku, there was a slight drizzle for few hours on Friday afternoon.
Katayama has come out to be a formidable challenge for the contenders in the tournament. Defending champion, Koumei Oda was not able to make the cut and the remaining two rounds are poised to offer some exciting golf for the weekend.
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