Justin Thomas explains what could happen very quickly during the final round of the ZOZO Championship as he seeks first PGA Tour win since 2022

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Justin Thomas has work to do if he’s to win his first PGA Tour event since 2022 at the ZOZO Championship.

The American is two shots back of Nicolas Echavarria; the Colombian leads the way on 17 under after carding a five-under 65 at Accordia Narashino Country Club.

Thomas also posted a 65 on Saturday and built on what’s been an impressive showing so far. Thomas loves this week’s course and has dropped just one shot during the first 54 holes.

Thomas’ driving has impressed throughout the FedEx Cup fall event, and the American will be looking to withstand pressure and end a barren two-year winless spell.

Justin Thomas: Anything can happen at ZOZO Championship

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Despite only making one bogey thus far, Thomas has admitted that dropped shots can happen in a “heartbeat” around Accordia Narashino.

“Although I am still behind, it’s still patience. You have a lot of birdie holes, and you can make a bogey in a heartbeat if you get out of position or get in the wrong spot around the greens,” Thomas explained.

“I know that with greens this soft, any hole is birdie-able. Just because I happen to be even through five or six holes doesn’t mean I am out of it. Just got to keep my head down and treat every hole for what it is and make as many birdies as I can.”

Justin Thomas sets pace as USA Presidents Cup trio struggle

Thomas has been the standout performer from the glut of big names present at the ZOZO Championship.

Hometown favourite Hideki Matsuyama is two under and T59 after carding rounds of 71, 71 and 66. Sahith Theegala, who featured on Jim Furyk’s Presidents Cup team, is on the same number after posting a 68.

Defending champion Collin Morikawa hasn’t mounted a charge after failing to go low on moving day. The 27-year-old shot level par on Saturday and sits 13 shots back of Echavarria.

Xander Schauffele bounced back from a disappointing 73 on Thursday with an impressive 65 on Friday. The world number two, however, could only shoot two under during the third round and is well off the pace.

Right now, the ZOZO Championship feels like a straight shootout between Thomas and Echavarria.