Defending champion Hataoka takes a 1-stroke lead after 2 rounds at LPGA Japan

Defending champion Nasa Hataoka took a one-stroke lead after two rounds of the LPGA Tour's Toto Japan Classic on Friday, after an 8-under 64 back-nine. The 16th hole proved crucial as Hataoka eagled the par-5 for a 30, contributing to her impressive round. Hataoka, who won last year in a playoff during a rain-shortened tournament, posted a 36-hole score of 12-under 132.

Competing closely behind were Miyu Yamashita, Ana Belac, and Fuka Suga, with Yamashita and Suga each posting 67s, two strokes behind the leader. Hataoka, a five-time top-10 finisher this season, expressed her excitement about playing in front of many Japanese fans. The Japan Classic is the fourth tournament in the LPGA's late-season Asian swing.