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Hideki Matsuyama

There’s so much to reflect on the second day of this year’s Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta, GA. Aussie Cam Smith couldn’t kick on his opening day spell when he languished a lot of pars and a few bogeys in a total of +2, 74 shots, although he finished Day 2 well with two birdies at holes 15 & 18. There’s still two days left going into the weekend & make up some lost time, as he’s Tied 6th at a total of -2.

The same say for South Korea’s Sungjae Im, who lost the lead to Scottie Scheffler, following three birdies, five bogeys & a majority of pars at +2 (74 shots). But again, he’s still in the mix at Tied 2nd going into Day 3 tomorrow & hopefully be the first South Korean to wear the green jacket.

We also saw some of the improved competitors today alongside Im in the shared 2nd spot; Ireland’s Shane Lowry, Reigning champion Hideki Matsuyama from Japan & 2011 Masters winner South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel. Meanwhile, Harold Varner III & Kevin Na continued their impressive start with the same score as yesterday at -2 (71 shots), where they will look to break into the Top 5 zone & have an outside crack for the lead if things work out after Day 3.

Dustin Johnson’s struggles continue that was miles away from the promised start he produced in Round 1, with only one birdie collected in the 4th hole at +1, 73 shots. It will be interesting to see if he can regroup in the weekend spells of Rounds 3 & 4, as he currently sits in Tied 6th, total -2. Danny Willett & Joaquin Niemann also endured some inconsistencies that saw them fall down the leaderboard in Tied 10th. And Patrick Cantlay slipped outside the Top 10 from 7th to 19th alongside Tiger Woods, who did enough to make the cut at +2 today (74 shots).

Two rounds down, two to go with Scottie Schaeffler as your leader from Tied 3rd yesterday at -3 to -8. Whoever is leading after Day 3, we will see an exciting finish that will change everything on Sunday at the Augusta National Golf Club.

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This is moving day on Day 3 of the 2021 Masters at Augusta National. Where Justin Rose from England led the first two rounds. But scored 72 just like yesterday with no sign of rebound. He is on -7 under par in 5th/tied 2nd. So still possible to get that green jacket. Just cannot afford to make the same mistakes in Day 2 & 3.

Jordan Spieth did make the Top 10 today on -5. Having now sit in 7th. The form however is inconsistent. He can still end up in the Top 5. With a slow and steady build like yesterday. If he wanted the green jacket though. Then he has to push harder and come out from behind. Same goes to Brian Harman. He was in the front row during the 1st half. But then fell away with a less than expected score of 74. As he is on -4. Lots of catch up to do. While Bryson DeChambeau fell from the Top 20 to 38th. He is on +2 over par at a poor score of 75. So no chance of a comeback.

The biggest movers are Corey Conners from Canada. He is positioned as the underdog here. Thanks to a brilliant screamer on the 6th hole. Where sinked it immediately. And that puts him on -6 after scoring 68. So does Marc Leishman, Xander Schauffele & Will Zalatoris. All of them on -7. Just four shots behind the new leader in Hideki Matsuyama. The Japanese golfer may be 7th during Day 2 yesterday. He scored a brilliant run of 65 which puts him at -11 under par on Day 3.

Rain may have held back 1/2 hours of play. But at least we have seen a change of leader from Rose to Matsuyama. Just after the 1st half. While a couple have fell down the order. As we look forward to a final round decider tomorrow. Will Rose rebound from disappointment? Or else who will pull off for the major home.

And make history for their country. Hideki Matsuyama is one of them. The same goes to the Aussie Marc Leishman. Where he hails from Warrnambool, Victoria. How about the underdog of Corey Conners from Canada? If not then how about the in-from Schauffele. And Will Zalatoris who tries to become one of the youngest to win a major. This is decent completion with six players fighting for the green jacket. The action begins tomorrow 4am AEST or a bit earlier depending on rain. Both on Fox Sports and Nine’s Wide World of Sports.

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Justin Rose still leads after the 1st half of the 2021 Masters. He shot 72 today which is even par. So nothing wrong from his end as he looks to hold off going into Day 3.

While Brian Harman still tied in joint 2nd spot on 69 & -3 today. And seven under par with the hope of chasing Rose. As Will Zalatoris moved from 4th to 2nd. He played well on 68 at -4 today/-6 overall.

No improvements from Rory McIIroy who continued to decline. Where his swing was still exposed with a rough day at two over par today. And six over par overall which sees himself missed the cut. That means he is eliminated from this major.

Bryson DeChambeau did catch up just inside the Top 20. He shot -5 under par & -1 overall after Day 2. As said earlier on that he came to Augusta as one of the favourites. But so far things did not go against his way. The next two days will be crucial at least if he can finish in the Top 10. A win is increasingly unlikely though.

As well as Hideki Matsuyama who hails from Japan. Was joint 2nd with Brian Harman yesterday. But unable to hold its middle ground at -1 in Round 2. And -4 overall going into tomorrow. He is just outside the Top 10 in 11th. Which is a sign of decline right now. Just needs to be patient if a return to the Top 5-7 would keep his hopes alive. We will find out soon.

Round 2 today sees some players make progress as the heavy movers. Jordan Spieth was 12th yesterday. Now he is in 4th shooting 68 at -4 alone. And -5 overall. Got plenty of momentum carried from the Texas win last week. Tomorrow will be a test if he can split Zalatoris & Harman. Before Spieth can find Rose.

The same goes from Aussie Marc Leishman at 67. He is -5 under par in both Round 2 & overall ladder. Great progress there from 17th to 5th. It will be interesting if he can enter the front row. And stay in contention going into the final round. As Leishman can jump from behind for that green jacket. With $11 million USD in it.

We cannot wait for Day 3 tomorrow with the hope of clear weather. There is a chance of rain towards the end of play at 5-6pm in Augusta, GA. Will it be Rose who still has the lead baton. Or is someone else will put their hand up. And duel with him ahead on Sunday for this major.

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