Severe weather disruptions saw the Japan Tour’s prestigious Bridgestone Open reduced to just 36 holes with David Bransdon and New Zealand’s Michael Hendry sharing 10th place when play was called.

An opening round 66 had Bransdon one of five players sharing the lead after 18 holes at the Sodegaura Country Club but with the conditions difficult he posted a second round of 1-over 72 to slip down the standings.

Hendry recorded 67-71 to also share 10^th, the pair five shots behind eventual winner Ryoku Tokimatso.

The result could be an important one for Bransdon whose 10^th place cheque moved him from 83^rd position on the money list to 74^th with the top-70 retaining playing rights for 2018.

Just two of the remaining six events on the schedule are full field so the Victorian will need some more good play if he is to tee up again next year but his form this week suggests he is in good shape to do so.

With the event shortened to 36 holes the cut was declared at 2-over with Brad Kennedy (T18), Todd Sinnott (T31) and Brendan Jones T41) the other Australians to collect a cheque.

Kurt Barnes, Adam Bland and Matt Griffin were all outside the cut line.