Kobayashi in the lead at Mizuno Open

Masanori Kobayashi opened up a two-stroke lead at the halfway point of the Mizuno Open after carding a second consecutive 68 to move to eight under par.

Kobayashi collected four birdies in a bogey-free round to lead a group of three players at JFE Setonaikai Golf Club.
Kim Kyung-tae, Prayad Marksaeng and Brad Kennedy are tied for second on six under. South Korean Kim matched Kobayashi's second-round effort while Australian Kennedy shot a 71 and Thailand's Prayad was even for the day.