Golf pundit tips three outsiders who could win the ZOZO Championship ahead of Justin Thomas and Nico Echavarria

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The ZOZO Championship is at the halfway point, and an interesting leaderboard has emerged at Accordia Narashino Country Club.

Nico Echavarria leads the way on 12 under after carding a pair of 64s in the opening 36 holes. Overnight leader Taylor Moore is two shots back after posting a 67 on Friday.

Two-time major winner Justin Thomas carded a four-under 66 on Thursday and backed his first-round efforts up with a 64 on Friday to also sit two shots back.

Thomas is seeking consistency ahead of 2025 and stands an excellent chance of winning his first event since 2022 this weekend.

The ZOZO Championship is finely poised, and golf pundit Graham Delaet has named three outsiders who could challenge the leaders.

Graham DeLaet names outsiders to win ZOZO Championship

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Speaking to Sky Sports, DeLaet believes three players could challenge Thomas, Moore and Echavarria.

“I think you look at Seamus Power with his 62, and somebody is going to do that tomorrow and be in contention,” DeLaet said.

“Who is that going to be? Rickie Fowler is still in the mix, Seamus Power, Eric Cole is looking for his first win, plays great on this golf course. It will be interesting to see how things work out.”

Irishman Power carded the low round of the day after posting a bogey-free 62. Fowler also impressed after carding six-under 66.

USA Presidents Cup stars bounce back at ZOZO Championship

Accordia Narashino Country Club was certainly kinder on day two. Xander Schauffele endured a nightmare day one after carding a quadruple bogey eight on the ninth hole.

The two-time major winner, however, managed to bounce back on Friday and carded a five-under 65 to take himself to two under for the tournament. Schauffele is ten back of the lead and will need to go low on moving day if he’s to contend.

Sahith Theegala, who was part of Jim Furyk’s Presidents Cup team, posted an under-par round to get himself back to even par for the tournament.

Max Homa also bounced back from an opening 73 and posted four-under 66. Despite the positive signs on Friday, the trio of US Presidents Cup stars have work to do if they’re to contend come Sunday’s final round.