Japan’s Kanichiro Katano has taken control of the New Zealand Amateur Championship leaderboard, while Australia’s Fuyu Yang has set the pace in the women’s event at Royal Wellington.
Katano fired a four-under 68 on Thursday to reach five-under 139, moving two shots clear of New Zealanders William Dunsmore and overnight leader Zachary May.
In the women’s championship, Yang sits at one-over 145, one stroke ahead of Kelly Wu and Juwon Kim among the leading completed scores.
Katano Takes Charge
Katano began the second round three shots behind May but turned that deficit into a two-stroke advantage with one of the best rounds of the day.
His 68 backed up an opening 71 and lifted him from a share of 10th into outright first.
Dunsmore added a level-par 72 to his opening 69, while May followed Wednesday’s four-under 68 with a 73.
Both Kiwis sit at three-under 141, keeping them firmly in the title race.
Sidford Joins The Kiwi Chase
Hugo Sidford made one of the biggest moves among the New Zealand contingent, following his opening 73 with a three-under 69.
The Boulcott’s Farm Heritage golfer reached two-under 142 and shares fourth with Doug Moores and Ishaan Shah.
Moores has rounds of 70 and 72, while Royal Auckland and Grange’s Shah followed his opening 69 with a 73.
Australia’s Josiah Edwards sits seventh at one-under 143, completing the group of seven players under par through two rounds.
Men After Round Two
| Player | Position | Rounds | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanichiro Katano | 1st | 71–68 | -5 (139) |
| William Dunsmore | T2 | 69–72 | -3 (141) |
| Zachary May | T2 | 68–73 | -3 (141) |
| Hugo Sidford | T4 | 73–69 | -2 (142) |
| Doug Moores | T4 | 70–72 | -2 (142) |
| Ishaan Shah | T4 | 69–73 | -2 (142) |
| Josiah Edwards | 7th | 70–73 | -1 (143) |
Yang Moves Ahead In Women’s Championship
Australia’s Yang has moved to the top of the women’s leaderboard after adding a level-par 72 to her opening 73.
Her one-over total gives her a one-shot advantage over Remuera’s Kelly Wu and Pupuke’s Juwon Kim among the leading completed rounds.
Wu improved with a one-under 71 after opening with 75, while Kim followed her first-round 71 with a 75.
Alice Fry also made ground with a 71, moving to three-over alongside Queenie Lang.
Sophie Yu and opening-round co-leader Chloe So sit another stroke back at four-over.
The women’s standings remained provisional at the time scores were checked, with several players still to complete their second rounds.
Women — Provisional Leaders
| Player | Position | Rounds | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuyu Yang | 1st | 73–72 | +1 (145) |
| Kelly Wu | T2 | 75–71 | +2 (146) |
| Juwon Kim | T2 | 71–75 | +2 (146) |
| Alice Fry | T4 | 76–71 | +3 (147) |
| Queenie Lang | T4 | 74–73 | +3 (147) |
| Sophie Yu | T6 | 74–74 | +4 (148) |
| Chloe So | T6 | 71–77 | +4 (148) |
National Title Races Taking Shape
Katano has established the benchmark in the men’s championship, but five New Zealanders remain within three shots of the lead.
In the women’s event, Yang has edged ahead, with Wu and Kim immediately behind and several others still within striking distance.
With the championships continuing through Sunday, both national title races remain wide open at Royal Wellington.
