Yuka Yasuda sets new tour record at NEC Karuizawa 72

Yuka Yasuda has taken a commanding lead at the NEC Karuizawa 72 Golf Tournament. After shooting a course-record-tying 61 in the first round, she followed up with a 64 in the second round, bringing her total to 19 under par. This performance sets a new tour record for fewest strokes, surpassing Annika Sörenstam’s 2003 mark of 126.

Yasuda currently holds a seven-stroke lead heading into the final day. Other notable performances include veteran Sakura Yokomine, who sits in second place after a strong start, and Akari Sakuma, who experienced a dramatic shift in momentum after recording a quadruple bogey on the 17th hole following an eagle.

Shiho Kuwaki, returning to domestic competition after winning the AIG Women's Open, struggled with putting and currently sits outside the cut line. Kumiko Kaneda also competed, finishing the first round in 22nd place while working with caddie Yosuke Tsukada.