An impressive performance at the Japan Tour’s ISPS HANDA Matchplay event has seen New Zealand’s Michael Hendry overtake Bred Kennedy for top Australasian honours on the money list.

One of the more unusual events in world golf, Hendry was one of three Australasians to survive the opening two rounds which were played last month.

Won Joon Lee and Matt Griffin joined Hendry in advancing to the round of 32 this week, Lee and the New Zealander facing off in round three while Griffin took on South African Shaun Norris.

Griffin fell 2&1 in a tight tussle with Norris while Hendry came from 2 down through 11 holes to account for Lee in round three by a 1up margin.