Sheehan two up
MIKI, Hyogo Pref. (Kyodo) First-round joint leader Paul Sheehan of Australia held steady with an even-par 70 on one of the toughest layouts of the Japanese tour and opened up a two-shot lead at the midpoint of the Mitsubishi Diamond Cup on Friday.
Sheehan, winner of last year's Fujisankei Classic and Nippon Series, carded four birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey on his way to a 2-under 138 total at Higashi Hirono Golf Club.
Daisuke Maruyama, winless since turning pro in 1994, was one of only nine players who broke par for the day and climbed into a three-way tie for second place after a 69.
Fudo, Omote share lead
ICHIHARA, Chiba (Kyodo) Yuri Fudo and Junko Omote shot 5-under-par 67s in benign weather conditions to share the lead after the first round of the Kosaido Ladies on Friday.
Fudo, winner of the Japan LPGA money title the last five years, and Omote matched each other with six birdies and one bogey at Chiba Kosaido Country Club as they got off to a strong start in a tournament missing Ai Miyazato through injury.