Golfer Justin Thomas pleads with ball to 'skip' over water after miracle shot

Justin Thomas, the two-time major champion, continues his agonising wait for a victory, despite showing signs of returning to top form at the Zozo Championship in Japan over the weekend.

A particular shot during Saturday's third round left spectators at Accordia Narashino Country Club in awe, although it remains unclear whether it was a stroke of luck or skill - likely a combination of both.

' drive veered right at the par-four fourth, leaving him with obstacles including trees and a pond for his approach. With low-hanging branches blocking an aerial route, he opted for a low stinger beneath the tree, heading straight for the water hazard.

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As the camera panned to Thomas, he could be heard saying "skip, skip", hoping for the ball to bounce off the water and onto the fairway. His wish was granted as the ball took a large hop off the water's surface and landed safely on solid ground, setting up a relatively simple up-and-down for a four – which he successfully completed for an eventful par.

"Give him the trophy now", one announcer declared during the broadcast, as Thomas sat in second place, within reach of leader Nico Echavarria. However, the 31 year old missed out on a golden opportunity to end his two-year winless streak this Sunday. He hasn't savoured victory since clinching the PGA Championship for the second time in May 2022, following a significant slump in form.

His performance in Japan was another sign of him regaining his top form, but it wasn't enough to secure the trophy. Thomas ended up tied for second place with Mac Greyserman in Inzai, just one shot behind Echavarria.

Despite starting his final round two shots behind the leader, his four-under-par final round couldn't catch up with the Colombian. The Kentucky-born golfer had numerous opportunities, but he narrowly missed several times during his final round.

"It's a mixture of obviously bummed and disappointed, but I played so well," Thomas admitted. "I played plenty well enough to win the tournament. I gave myself a chance. Hit so many good putts today that just didn't go in. That's the difference. I needed some of those ones that burned the edge to fall."

"I did a lot of things really well. The stuff I've been working on, everything I've been doing is obviously the right stuff and I'm still going the right direction. Just got to keep trying to put myself in contention and right there as often as I can. Just kind of hope for a law of averages thing, eventually you end up getting it done, but it's just about putting yourself there more."