Jiyai Shin and Nasa Hataoka are both trying to snap long winless streaks at the Toto Japan Classic, and are in good position to do so with a share of the lead after two rounds.
Hataoka came into the day sharing the lead with Miyu Yamashita at -7, but had some struggles early with two bogeys on the front nine. She did recover to shoot even par on that nine but really came to life on the back with four birdies and no dropped shots.
Hataoka’s -4 score was solid, but on this course, she will likely need a bit more over the next couple days, which a straightened out driver could fix as she missed six fairways in round two. She did hit 15 greens though and putted well.
Shin, a two-time major champion looking for her first win since 2013 on the LPGA Tour, is tied for the lead after a round of -5. Shin finished strong to jump up the leaderboard, making birdies on 15, 16 and 17. Shin’s approach play was phenomenal, hitting 17 greens in regulation.
For family reasons, Shin gave up LPGA Tour membership in 2015, but has played a bit more in recent years, playing 13 times between 2023 and 2024. She is making just her third start of the season this week after missing cuts at both the U.S. Women’s Open and the AIG Women’s Open. She did show some solid form though in 2024 with a couple of near wins at the Seri Pak Championship and the Women’s Open.
The closest chaser for the leaders is the No. 4 player in the world, Miyu Yamashita, who gave up a bit of ground with a -3 second round, but is still in good position to make a run on the weekend.
