Nico Echavarría is the man to beat heading into the final round of the ZOZO Championship at Accordia Narashino Country Club in Japan.
The Colombian carded a five-under 65 on Saturday and holds a two-shot lead over former world number one Justin Thomas.
The highlight of the 30-year-old’s round came at the par-five 18th, where he stiffed his approach shot for a tap-in eagle.
Thomas, however, will provide stern competition on Sunday. The two-time major winner looks dialled and is seeking his first win since the 2022 PGA Championship.
ZOZO Championship: Nico Echavarría game plan revealed
Speaking during his post-round media duties, Echavarría insisted that he will take each shot as it comes as he looks to seal a second PGA Tour win.
“Obviously, this is a better field than the one in Puerto Rico. There are better players out here, but a win is a win, and I am going to rely on that,” said the ZOZO Championship leader.
“Keep doing what I am doing, trying to have fun and see where we go. Just stay in the moment. It’s really important. You don’t want to go ahead with yourself as there are a lot of hard holes out here. Go shot by shot, try to be in the fairway, hit the greens and see if the putt goes in.”
ZOZO Championship: Justin Thomas hot on Nico Echavarría heels
Thomas has dropped just one shot in 54 holes of action thus far and appears to be somewhere near his best form.
It’s been a difficult two years for Thomas, who has been plagued by inconsistency. There’s no doubt the two-time major winner will leave nothing on the course as he looks to jump back into the winner’s circle ahead of the 2025 PGA Tour season starting in January.
As for Echavarría, the Colombian’s last win came at the 2023 Puerto Rico Open, where he finished on 21 under.
The 30-year-old certainly has the momentum after his eagle on the 18th and will be looking to start fast when Sunday’s play gets underway.
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