Ryo Ishikawa led Japan's contingent on Saturday at the PGA Championship, shooting an even-par 70 to move into a tie for 21st, nine strokes back of tournament leader Jim Furyk of the United States.
Hideki Matsuyama, who is eyeing a spot on the PGA Tour next season, shot a 3-over 73 at Oak Hill Country Club to fall 12 strokes off the pace and in a tie for 38th at 3-over 213.
Ishikawa carded a five-birdie, five-bogey round to sit at even-par but finished poorly, bogeying his last two holes.
"I was really absorbed in my play and did the things I'm capable of," said Ishikawa, who has struggled for much of this season, his first full-time on the tour.
"Those (last two bogeys) are going to happen. The wind was blowing and the pin settings are also quite difficult."
"My goal (for tomorrow) is four birdies. I will try to get off to a rocket start."
Matsuyama played the round without rhythm, signing a scorecard with four birdies broken up by a double bogey and five bogeys.
"My shots were poor and my putts wouldn't fall, and this is the result," said the university student and this season's money leader on the Japanese tour.
"I wasted the day by taking myself out of the game. That's where my game is right now. Still, Tiger (Woods) was 4 over."