Current Money Leader, Shugo jumped up to tie for 2nd on moving Saturday with amazing bogey free 6 under 65. Gusty wind blew on the afternoon on Day 3 but it didn't bother Shugo.
"My tee shots were so stable, I didn't mind about the wind. No troubles, no bogeys."

Shugo was in the same pairings with his old-time friend from IMG Academy in junior days, Emiliano Grillo. They both remember that Shugo had beat Emiliano in US Junior.
"He was tough already as a youngster. So, I was glad that I didn't end up pairing with him on the final round."

Shugo captured the leader Emiliano with the 3-in-a-row birdie at 8th.
In exchange with Emiliano, another junior mate will join Shugo on the final round. Mikumu Horikawa. Mikumu really admires Shugo.

Shugo's toughness was shown at 2015 Nestle Matchplay. 2 were against each other at best 8.
"I was 1.5 meters and for the par putt. Shugo conceded. He had 7 meters for birdie and he made it with no worries. That time I really felt his strong mentality and his confidence."

Shugo is so quite when he is off the course. Mikumu is so heated up but Shugo seems that he doesn't mind at all. He smiles and says, "It doesn't matter who I am against. I must play my best."

With World Number 1 in the field, this tournament offers 30 points to the World Rankings. If Shugo makes his 2nd victory of this season, he will be up well enough to be inside top 50. And the first prize being 40 million yen, that will make his Order of Merit title pretty concrete.

"I am glad that I have the chance to do so tomorrow. I felt pain on my back on Day 1 but with a good massage, it felt okay from yesterday. If my body condition is okay tomorrow, I know I can do as good as I did today."

Smiling face now has a good confidence attached.