The third round of the "Japan Open", which decides the number one golfer in Japan, was held in Shiga Prefecture on the 16th, and South African player Shaun Norris, who increased his score to 18 under par, took the lead alone and came in second with a five-stroke difference. Was put on by Satoshi Kodaira, who is aiming to win the championship for the first time in 6 years.
The third round of the Japan Open Golf Championship was held in Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture on the 16th.
Norris, who came out of the lead with a total of 11 under, went around with 7 birdies without bogies, such as 4 consecutive birdies from 5th to 8th in the first half, and took the lead alone with a total of 18 under.
Kodaira, who increased his score by 3 with 5 birdies and 2 bogies, will be in 2nd place with 5 strokes, aiming to win the final round on the 17th for the first time in 6 years.
In addition, Yuki Inamori, who is aiming for the third victory for the second consecutive year, is in third place with a one-stroke difference.
Yuta Ikeda, who came out of the lead in the third round alongside Norris, was unable to improve his score due to a putt, and is in fourth place with Ryosuke Kinoshita and Hiroshi Iwata with a total of 11 under.
In addition, Rikuya Hoshino, the representative of the Tokyo Olympics, has increased his score by three and is ranked 11th with a total of 8 under.
The final round of the Japan Open will be held on the 17th, and NHK will broadcast live on the general TV about the battle for victory.
Norris "Everything went well"
South Africa's Shaun Norris, who took the lead alone, said, "I can play with confidence and without hesitation. I had a really fun round and all aspects went well. Tomorrow's game plan did not change and I got more scores. I want to grow it, "he said with a smile.
Kodaira "attack and pressure"
Satoshi Kodaira, who is aiming to win the championship for the first time in six years with a total of 13 unders, said, "I thought that I had to do it in terms of feelings because Bogey took the lead, and birdies continued from there. However, it was the same as yesterday, and it was a day when I hit the bogey in the last hole and regretted it. "
Regarding this tournament, which was the first time in two years since he returned from the United States where he was based, he said, "I thought everyone might have forgotten about me because I was away from Japan, but at the last 18th hole. I was happy to receive applause from many people. "
On top of that, for the final round on the 17th, he said, "There is a tough difference in catching up with Norris, but I want to do my best so that I can attack and put pressure on myself."