Mikumu Horikawa jumped up to tie to 2nd, with magnificent 7 under play on Round 3. He is now only 3 shots behind the leader Ryo Ishikawa, and they will be in same final group on Sunday. Mikumu on his 6th year in Japan Tour really admires Ryo. But Mikumu himself has marked his first win at the Major, JGTC Mori Building Cup Shishido Hills in June and joined the big names.

On Round 3 Mikumu Horikawa played along with Rikuya Hoshino and Shouta Akiyoshi, both well-known long hitters. Against these 2 Mikumu only drives 262.67 yards average (ranks 61st), but he showed them that long drive is not only way to tackle this course. He was supported by veteran caddy to play with smart strategy. From this year, 17th hole became reachable and other 2 certainly took driver to go for it. But Mikumu chose 5 iron and left 110 yards, which he shot with a wedge to get it to 2-meter and holed a birdie. With this great course management, he marked 65 to get in 3 shot behind the leader Ryo.

"Ryo was already a top star when he was in elementary school. He is only 1 year older than me, but everybody admired him."

Ryo has won on the professional tournament at age of 15, with the youngest record. After that he zoomed his way up to stardom. Mikumu on the other hand went to Nippon University and played college golf for 4 years. So, Mikumu is way behind Ryo as a pro.
"I finally got to the stage to get into contention. Until this year, I had no chance to play against Ryo, but tomorrow I could go head to head in the same final group. I am delighted."

This season, Mikumu got his first win, played at US and British Open Majors, and he also challenged the WGC game last month. He feels that he has gained a lot recently and is so eager to challenge Ryo.

Ryo on the other hand is seeking to make 2 victories in a row with 7 weeks off in between.
"Ryo is a star player and he is under the pressure to win. Fans expect him to win, and he knows that he must win too. As for me, I don't have any pressure. So, I will enjoy my golf tomorrow."

Let's see how this pressure issue will hold out on Sunday afternoon.