Nathan Mayes surged into a share of second at the New Zealand Amateur Championship with a four-under 68, while Japan’s Kanichiro Katano extended his qualifying lead at Royal Wellington.
The Redwood Park golfer produced one of Friday’s best rounds to reach two-under 214, joining Jack Van Prehn and Zachary May as the leading New Zealanders after three rounds.
Katano followed rounds of 71 and 68 with a 71 to reach six-under 210, stretching his advantage from two shots to four.
Mayes Makes His Move
Mayes began Friday five shots behind the leading Kiwi contenders after opening with consecutive 73s.
His response was a four-under 68 that lifted him into a share of second and firmly into the leading group.
New Plymouth’s Van Prehn also climbed the leaderboard, adding a 69 to Thursday’s 68 after beginning his championship with a 77.
Overnight Kiwi leader May posted his second consecutive 73 after opening the week with a four-under 68.
The trio sit together at two-under, four behind Katano.
Hugo Sidford is another stroke back in fifth at one-under following a 73, while George Hodgson and William Dunsmore share sixth at even par.
All 60 players in the men’s third round completed play, with Jonathan Cane and Saul Barker taking the final two match-play places following a playoff.
Men After Three Rounds
| Player | Position | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Kanichiro Katano | 1st | -6 (210) |
| Nathan Mayes | T2 | -2 (214) |
| Jack Van Prehn | T2 | -2 (214) |
| Zachary May | T2 | -2 (214) |
| Hugo Sidford | 5th | -1 (215) |
| George Hodgson | T6 | E |
| William Dunsmore | T6 | E |
Yu Climbs In Women’s Championship
North Shore’s Sophie Yu also made ground on Friday, signing for a level-par 72 to reach four-over 220.
That placed her in a provisional share of second with Remuera’s Kelly Wu, who still had one hole remaining when the standings were checked.
Australia’s Fuyu Yang held the provisional lead at two-over with one hole to play.
Pupuke’s Yuetong (Victoria) Xin also returned a 72 to reach five-over, joining Queenie Lang after the Remuera golfer finished with a 74.
Juwon Kim was also five-over with one hole remaining.
With the women’s third round still being completed, those positions remained provisional.
Match Play Awaits
Katano has established himself as the player to catch heading into the next phase of the men’s championship, but three New Zealanders remain within four shots after 54 holes of qualifying.
Mayes’ 68 provided Friday’s biggest Kiwi move, while Van Prehn and May ensure there is plenty of home interest near the top.
The championships continue at Royal Wellington on Saturday, when the focus shifts towards the weekend title battles.
