Mikumu Horikawa jumped up to Tied-Fifth, total 7 under par along with same Bridgestone sponsored colleague, Daisuke Kataoka. As one of the Host Pros, new Bridgestone driver gave Mikumu a big boost.
Mikumu chose to put the newly updated TOUR B XD-3 Driver. TOUR B XD-3 is well known for its Power Rib Technology which increases ball velocity while keeping the shot stable with perfect sound.
"Updated TOUR B XD-3 has new head, gave it a bit more loft angle. Now it's less on the spin and carries farther. In total I gained plus 15 yards and reaches 300 yards."

New driver got Mikumu closer to the winner's circle, not to get too much behind his good buddy Shugo Imahira. They were in the same pairing for the first 2 days. Shugo, who currently leads top on the Money List, charged with scoring 65.
"Shugo does make double bogey and bogey, but he manages to scramble back with 9 birdies and ends up with a pretty good score. I got a bit under pressure, but I stuck to my golf and scored 67."

"We have been friends since junior golf days. So, I don't want to lose against Shugo."
They have a heated rivalry on the course, but they seem to have good times together during the half turn intervals.
Shugo is known to be quiet, but when he is along with his good buddy it changes.
"Mikumu is pretty talkative, and he is always making jokes."
Mikumu also added some private talk.
"Some of the players came along and gave tips to marriage, since Shugo is getting married soon."

Shugo & Mikumu "Bosom Buddies" are paired again on Round 3.
"If I could play like the first 2 rounds, I know I can be in the winner's race on Sunday."
Shugo is looking for his first victory of this season, Mikumu looking for his first win ever.