Shane Lowry slipped eight shots off the pace on his Japanese bow in the €1.5m Dunlop Phoenix Tournament.

The Irish Open champion, 22, had three birdies and five bogeys in a two over 73 at the Phoenix Country Club near Miyazaki.

Playing on a sponsor’s invitation, Lowry is just a shot inside the projected cut in a tie for 53rd.

Japan’s Kenichi Kuboya fired a six under 65 to take a three-stroke lead over six players including former winner Shingo Katayama.

Fiji's Vijay Singh and teen star Ryo Ishikawa shot level par 71s.

Using babelfish to translate Lowry's pre-tournament interview gave the following result. Too many shanks mentioned not to be worrying!

(You question with your Irish open victory [me], it is. With that victory something as for changing? ) It comes to Japan, the [re] is being large to receive the seed of 2 years of shank and after with thing, the shank. The road where with that becomes the professional got near. (As for the Japanese impression? You ate the Japanese food? Don't you think?) it is different from the place where by his has been accustomed completely. Still however you do not eat, the Miyazaki cow ate the Japanese food. (As for the impression of Phoenix CC? ) [gureito]! It is enormously good course. The green is fast and, maintenance it does well. (Victory score may become about which? You think that) 2 column score is proper. (Now goal of the conference? ) The fact that it wins of course is goal. Trying exhausting the best, how it becomes, the shank. (Liao Ishikawa which wins with the same amateur is known? ) Knowing of course, it increases.