The final grouping of the R3 at Japan Open was 41 years old Hideto Tanihara and 20 years old amateur Riki Kawamoto. Two of them had a fierce battle going on with the heavy rain pouring on the already difficult course. As for Hideto, he was impressed by the performance of a 20 years old.
"I was happy and glad to see that Japan has great young players like Riki who could drive so far. I have been on the EPGA Tour and seen so many great young talents there, but now I know that Japanese players are not too behind. He has the distance and also quite delicate techniques too, and especially tough mind even under pretty harsh trouble shots. I am really looking forward for his future. I know he could turn Pro anytime with that talent. He could probably do well overseas among the world's top class players."

On their front nine, Hideto was 3 shot behind.
"I just couldn't control the shots today. Shots tend to slick to right due to the heavy rain. On my back nine, the shots from the fairways started gain extra distance, so it was tough to decide."

The rain got harder and harder, which was tough for even the well experienced player like Hideto.
"At Europe these type of conditions was not rare. I told myself that at least we didn't have to fight with the wind today, so we were lucky. I kept telling myself to be positive about the condition and kept my game going."

As Hideto recalled this mental strategy worked and produced 3 straight birdies from 11th. Hideto kept on making 4 to 6-meters and by 13th, he became the outright leader.

"This Major is one of the title every player desires, so I want to place all of my effort tomorrow and make it happen."

Hideto has been away from Japan Tour for 4 years, but if he comes through with a victory tomorrow, it will be his 15th win and his first ever Major title.

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