Justin Rose will be playing catch up for the first time this week on Sunday but is confident that he can claim the Green Jacket at the 2021 Masters Tournament.
The Englishman opened with a 65 on Thursday to have a four shot lead but that is now the gap he will need to close after Hideki Matsuyama produced a stunning bogey free performance on Moving Day.
After a weather delay put some moisture in an Augusta National layout that has been playing firm and fast, Matsuyama made four birdies and an eagle to come home in 30 and get to 11 under.
In contrast, after a birdie on the 12th, Rose was made to produce some remarkable scrambling to save par on the 14th, 15th, 17th and 18th, although he could not get up and down from the sand on the 16th.
That left him at seven under after a second consecutive 72, but Rose has no problem with chasing as he looks for a second Major Championship title.
The chasing pack are going to have the freedom to try and hit all the right shots at the right time. Defending a four shot lead is never easy so we're in a good spot
"That recovery on 18, I did the same on 17 and the same on 15 and the same on 14," he said. "Pretty happy just to be able to walk into the clubhouse before I dropped another shot."
He added: "After 12 holes I thought I was in a nice spot but then Hideki hit the jets and I hit the brakes a little bit and that was the difference - his momentum and my momentum coming in.
"Whenever you're four back you've got a chance but being only behind one guy makes it a better chance.
He had to fight hard, but @JustinRose99 is still in contention 👏#TheMasters pic.twitter.com/PvsjpOiVfu
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 11, 2021
"A lot's to do with how Hideki plays tomorrow but there's a big chasing pack ready to pounce if needed.
"With a little bit of moisture that we've had this afternoon...there'll be enough moisture in it where I think you can attack a little bit.
"Sunday pins, if you hit the right shots at the right time you can put the ball next to the hole. If you just play a little bit too defensively the ball can stay up high and you can have a hard time making pars.
"The chasing pack are going to have the freedom to try and hit all the right shots at the right time. Defending a four shot lead is never easy so we're in a good spot."
