Hideki Matsuyama outplayed fellow teenager Ryo Ishikawa to remain closely in contention after the second round of the Japan Open on Friday.
The 18-year-old Matsuyama, whose Asian Amateur victory last week earned him a spot in next April's Masters Tournament, stood alone in third place as a 4-under 67 moved him to 7 under overall, two behind co-leaders Hiroyuki Fujita and Han Lee.
Matsuyama carded five birdies and a bogey at Aichi Country Club in Nagoya. He needed only 23 putts.
"I wasn't nervous at all today. I'm excited to play in front of a big crowd," Matsuyama said. "I'm glad I had a better score than Ryo even after just two rounds. I think I did better on the greens."
Asked if he thinks he can win the tournament, Matsuyama said, "I believe I have a chance. But I know if I think about that too much, I won't be able to improve my score."
Fujita shot a 67 and winless American Lee had a 68.
Fujita holed a par-saving putt from 45 feet on the 18th hole to stay in a tie for the lead.
"That was a pleasant surprise," the 41-year-old said of the stunning putt. "I was hitting the fairways consistently, so I didn't feel stressed out."
Toshinori Muto was three shots behind in fourth after a 67, followed by money leader Ishikawa two strokes further back.
Ishikawa mixed six birdies with five bogeys for a 70 in the final JGTO major of the year.
Shigeki Maruyama, Hideto Tanihara and Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki missed the cut.
