Two-time champion Yuka Saso saw her strong start fade, but still managed to remain within the top 10 halfway through the 2020 JLPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup, Friday afternoon at the Miyazaki Country Club, Miyazaki.
Needing a strong push for the year-end title, the 19-year-old rookie was off to a good start at the front nine.
Two holes, the fifth and the ninth, needed one less stroke and Saso found herself peaking at a share of the seventh spot.
The 2018 Asian Games champion then reached 4-under after two straight birdies to open her stint at the back nine.
However, a bogey at the 14th and then at the 18th hole pushed her back to a similar 2-under 70 from her first round.
Erica Hara retained her pole position after a 4-under 68 for the day, for a total of 9-under 135 and five shots less of Saso.
Current tour leader Ayaka Furue zoomed to a share of the second spot after a huge 6-under 66 for the day, highlighted by two eagles. Third-place Sakura Koiwai is still ahead of Saso by a solitary stroke and is the eighth spot.
The last two rounds of the season-ending tournament happen this weekend.
