Thomas Eagles the Final Hole to Pull Within 2 Strokes of ZOZO Championship Leader Echavarria

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INZAI, Chiba Prefecture ― Two-time major champion Justin Thomas eagled the final hole on Friday, October 25 to finish just two strokes back of sole leader Nico Echavarria after the second round of the ZOZO Championship.

On the par-5 18th, Thomas made the shot of the day with a 5-iron approach from 214 yards that landed four feet from the hole. The two-time PGA Championship winner then calmly tapped in for a 6-under-par 64 that left him at 10-under 130.

"I've been hitting a lot today and couldn't have walked it out there any better," Thomas said. "[From] 214 [yards] in, just took a little bit off of a 5-iron, just kind of cut it off the left center of the green."

Added Thomas, "That's what I'm trying to get on the green. I think hitting it in there four feet is a bonus, but that's the advantage of soft greens and hitting a good shot."

Thomas, a 15-time PGA Tour winner, is back at the ZOZO Championship for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 2019 when he finished in a tie for 17th.

Winless in two years on the PGA Tour, Thomas said he will be looking for more of the same on the weekend at the par-70 Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club.

"Just the same as the last two days, try to keep driving it well, have the confidence and faith in my game and just keep putting one foot in front of the other," Thomas said.

Echavarria, Moore Among ZOZO Championship Contenders

Echavarria shot his second straight 64 to lead Thomas and overnight leader Taylor Moore (67) by two strokes with a two-round total of 12-under 128.

"I've never had a lead after 36 holes," said Echavarria, a native of Colombia. "I've had it after 54, but never after 36, so it's good to be in this position."

Echevarria's lone win on the PGA Tour was in 2023 in Puerto Rico.

"There's got to be some pressure," added Echevarria. "Hopefully, a good round tomorrow can keep me in the lead. And how I said yesterday, the goal is to be close with nine holes to go."

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