by 
Colombian Nico Echavarria launched an eagle on the 18th hole Saturday to take a two-shot lead heading into the final day of the US PGA Tour’s Zozo Championship in Japan.
The 30-year-old hit a precise approach shot on the par-five 18th to leave him with an easy putt for three, sending him to 17 under par at Narashino Country Club.
Justin Thomas, a two-time major winner, was two shots behind, with Max Greyserman a shot further back.
American Rickie Fowler was six shots off the pace.
Echavarria, who has won just one PGA Tour title, said his passing eagle as darkness approached was a “special” moment.
“It was very difficult to see at the end,” he said.
“It was dark, it was dark, so I couldn’t tell how close it was.
“I heard the roar, but when I got there and it was almost a tap-in, it was really good.”
Echavarria had an up-and-down round that also included two bogeys and five birdies.
He said his bogey on the fourth hole was “a wake-up call” and he now heads into the final day with a chance to win his first title since last year’s Puerto Rico Open.
“Just stay in the moment,” he replied when asked about his plan for the final day.
“It’s a cliché but it’s really important. You don’t want to go ahead, especially there are a lot of difficult holes here.
“Just take it shot by shot and try to be in the fairway, try to hit the green and see if the putt goes in.”
Thomas, who won the PGA Championship in 2017 and 2022, stayed in contention with a bogey-free round of 5 under par.
The 31-year-old is looking to end a two-and-a-half-year title drought.
“It’s obviously tough, it’s tough to win at any stage, no matter who you are,” he said.
“If you’re lucky enough to have a few good streaks in your career, whatever it may be, it may not only seem easier to you, but to everyone else.”
Two-time major winner Xander Schauffele, who made a quadruple bogey on the opening day, was 13 shots off the pace at 4 under par.
Defending champion Collin Morikawa was also at 4 under.
amk/ssy
