Brendan has followed up his good finish last Sunday at the Canon Open with an opening round of three under 68 at the Koga Golf Club in Fukuoka, venue for this week's Japan Open.

"I played really well," said Brendan after the round - "even putted ok and had the little bit of luck here and there which you need to on a golf course like this. I imagine that the Japan Golf Assocaiaion may strengthen the golf course tomorrow as they, rightly or wrongly, like to protect par. I was sharing the lead when I left the course and with a little bit more wind this afternoon I would be surprised if anyone would go much lower. It is a nice start."