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Two share lead in Aiful Cup

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Posted: Friday July 23, 1999 10:50 AM

Todd Hamilton's last win came in the Gene Sarazen Jun Classic in September. Gary Newkirk/Allsport

AJIGASAWA, Japan (AP) -- American Todd Hamilton shot a 6-under-par 66 Friday to share a one-stroke lead with Toru Taniguchi midway through the $759,000 Aiful Cup.

Hamilton, gunning for his eighth victory in Japan, had seven birdies and one bogey en route to a 9-under 135 total.

"I missed few putts of five meters (15 feet) or shorter today," said Hamilton, who last won in the Gene Sarazen Jun Classic in September. "I'm really pleased that I have played well so far. I just hope to stay on track in the final two rounds."

Taniguchi had a 67 with six birdies and one bogey.

"You have to get it on the green at this course. Otherwise you'll find the rough around it very punitive," Taniguchi said. "I want to win before I forget how to do it."

Taniguchi won his only title in the Mitsubishi Galant in May 1998.

Ikuo Shirahama shot a 69 and was alone in third place at 136.

Hiroyuki Fujita went around in 67 and shared fourth at 137 with Shoichi Kuwabara, who had a 68.

Overnight leader Kazuhiro Takami struggled to a 74 and fell into a five-way tie for sixth at 138.

 

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