Tommy Fleetwood remains in contention at the RBC Canadian Open, sitting two shots behind debutant Ben James after the latter posted a bogey‑free 63 on Friday. James, a US college player making his first PGA Tour start, opened with an eagle on the par‑five 1 and has not dropped a bogey in his last 33 holes. Englishman eyes redemption after a play‑off loss three years ago.

Brooks Koepka trails by a couple of shots, grouped with Sam Burns, Jackson Suber and Keith Mitchell, all a shot off the lead. Koepka admitted his ball‑striking and driving have been off, but praised his putting and expressed optimism. Shane Lowry, Ryan Fox and Robert MacIntyre sit within four strokes, keeping the leaderboard tightly packed. Their recent form suggests they could surge late.

Fleetwood chases his first PGA Tour victory since 2023, hoping to shed the disappointment of a 2023 play‑off defeat at the same venue. James, on just his tenth PGA start, remains the clubhouse leader and could become the tournament’s surprise champion. The weekend’s final round will determine whether experience or debut brilliance prevails.