Yuta Sugiura Leads After Day One of Japan PGA Championship
Yuta Sugiura, who won the Japan PGA Championship at Fuji Country Kani Club last year, began his title defense this year at the Sanko Golf Club in Gifu Prefecture, posting a score of 64, eight under par, to lead after the first round. Sugiura faced an early bogey due to a tee shot error but quickly recovered with four consecutive birdies and another birdie on the 16th hole, giving him a two-shot lead over Taiga Semikawa, who finished second last year.
Despite competing for five consecutive weeks, the 23-year-old Sugiura expressed excitement about his performance: "I made many birdies today, so I don't feel tired at all; in fact, I feel more energetic. I not only want to win but also to continue winning. If I can stay aggressive tomorrow, I can maintain a solid performance." Semikawa carded a 66 with seven birdies and one bogey, and several players, including Taiwanese golfer Chia Yen Wu, finished with a score of 71, tied for 41st place.
