Azuma Yano – Asia’s first golf champion?

Japan’s Azuma Yano put himself in contention to become Asia’s first major golf champion in just his second major event, firing a five-under par 65 second round Saturday at the US Open.

The 31-year-old standout who fired an opening-round 72 Friday at Bethpage Black took advantage of perfect conditions to share fourth on three-under 137 after 36 holes, five strokes behind US pace-setter Ricky Barnes.

Yano, who qualified for the event by finishing second on last year’s Japan Tour money list, has great confidence he can bring Asia a major breakthrough.

"Well, I have a big chance to win," Yano said. "I feel like that. Even though I’m Asian, I can do it.

What is that supposed to mean? OF COURSE YOU CAN!

"And the feeling is very good. And my luck is coming out. I believe in it. I think I have a big chance to win, be the first Asian winner, and I keep on playing with this feeling," added Yano, who has three career victories on the Japanese Tour.