Ichihara and Hataji lead Japanese charge as they eye historic victory in New Zealand

Kodai Ichihara and Takahiro Hataji charged into contention with respective brilliant efforts to head into the final round of the New Zealand Open with a genuine shot at becoming the first-ever Japanese winner since the tournament's inception in 1907.

Ichihara, a two-time JGTO winner, fired a splendid eight-under-par 63 to move just one shot behind leaders Matthew Griffin and Scott Hend of Australia ahead of the deciding day.

Ichihara fired 10 birdies, including five in the six-hole stretch from the 12th, to offset two bogeys at Millbrook Golf Resort to finish with a three-day total of 13-under 200.

Hataji joined Ichihara in a three-way tie for third after posting a 66, thanks to a solid scorecard comprising seven birdies and two bogeys.

Also with an outside chance to claim the historic victory is Mikumu Horikawa, who sits just four shots off the pace in joint 14th following a third-round 68.

Ryuko Tokimatsu (67) and Naoki Sekito (69) are a further shot back, tied for 21st place.

The best-ever outings by Japanese competitors in the tournament were runner-up finishes, achieved by Tomoyo Ikemura last year and Hideto Tanihara in 2016.

The 103rd edition of the iconic event is jointly sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and Asian Tour, along with a partnership with the JGTO.

The PGA Tour of Australasia has formed an official partnership with the JGTO since 2014.

This year, a total of 19 spots have been allocated for JGTO members.

However, the money won from the event will not count towards the JGTO Money Rankings this year.