Mikumu did not take the safe side on his last hole in moving Saturday
At the final 18th, his second shot got stuck in the right-side trees. His way out to the green was covered by branches.
"My caddie advised me to avoid the tree and go on safe side for a par, but I just couldn't settle with that. I saw a chance over the tree for a birdie and I went for it. I went aggressive. I wanted to end today to make a boost for the final round tomorrow."

This week, Mikumu askes his sponsor Wave Energy's Chairman to carry his bag. He is not just a sponsor but Chairman Maekawa has played the Phoenix 16 days-in-a-row, knows this course inside out. He reads the winds and greens perfectly. His super support has made Mikumu contend.
But at the last 18th, Mikumu went with his own will.

That one and only shot was done. His super shot flew way over the trees and landed just a 1 meter to the pin for a birdie.

Mikumu will start as the leader in the final group tomorrow. It will be since Day 3 of 2015 Bridgestone where he finished tied to 2nd.

"I used to get too nervous and blew my good 2 rounds on Day 3. So, I concentrated on my golf only today. Didn't look at the score boards much. I am surprised about how well I played today. "

Mikumu changed his practice routine last month. He shoots 50 approach shots with his left hand only first. Then he goes on to his irons.
"That way my iron shot's impact zone feels wider. Gives me better image. That new practice routine has given me a confidence in my shots."

13 first time winners in this season and 9 of them are in 20 somethings.
"So many young guns are winning, and I feel left over. Also, my mate Shugo is doing so well again. He has been so strong physically and mentally since the time we met in junior high. I must admit. I want to beat Shugo. Not Koepka, not Hideki but Shugo."