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The Japanese world number 19, cheered on by a restricted gallery
of 5,000 of his compatriots, was solid rather than spectacular
in cold and wet conditions at the Narashino Country Club in
Chiba.
Second overnight and starting at the 10th hole, Matsuyama mixed
two birdies with a bogey on his front nine and picked up another
shot on his way home to stand a stroke clear of American Cameron
Tringale on eight-under.
"It wasn't a perfect round, but I played well. I'm happy with
it," Matsuyama told reporters.
"I'm in a good position. Looking forward to the weekend and
(will) do my best."
Tringale's 66 was the joint best round of the day and kept him
ahead of fellow American Brendan Steele (68) and Britain's Matt
Wallace (69) in share of third on six-under.
"I'm from California, I do not play in the rain. When it rains,
I stay inside," said Steele.
"My game doesn't usually translate that well to the weather ...
I was just happy to hold it together today."
Britain's Tommy Fleetwood drained a birdie putt at the last for
a 68 which drew him into a share of fifth on five-under with
Chilean Joaquin Niemann, who shot a 71.
World number three Collin Morikawa improved on his opening 71
with a 68 to lie seven shots off the pace, while Tokyo Olympic
champion Xander Schauffele slumped to a four-over 74 after
dropping five shots on his first five holes.
Tiger Woods won the first Zozo Championship for his 82nd career
title in Chiba in 2019, but the second edition last year was
moved to California because of the travel restrictions caused by
the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Shri Navaratnam)
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