Ryo Ishikawa finished with 4 birdies and 2 bogeys to score 68, total 4 under 2 shots behind the co-leaders on R3. Left himself a good chance for his 3rd season victory.

It was freezing cold at Tokyo Yomiuri CC, the temperature at noon was 5.6 degrees Celsius. A sleety rain fell at times.
"I had heat pad on my back, I wish I could had it on all over my body."
He had dawn jacket and knit sweater, knit cap and a neck warmer on. Warmed up really well at the practice range and headed off to the course.

"I made a birdies start and since it is moving Saturday, I thought I could get on the roll, but it turned out to be being patient day instead."

He made 2 straight bogeys on 4th and 5th.
"I was staring to stumble, and it took me few holes to get back on my feet. Saving that steep downhill par putt on 12th was the turning point. Saving that keyhole got me back on the track. That kind of putt gives me chance to hang on."

Ryo then went on darting his tee shot for tap in birdie at Par 3 15th. Then on 17th, he couldn't make the eagle putt but got an easy birdie to finish 2 shots behind the co-leaders.

Ryo lost in the playoff last year and ended his season without a victory. This year he has 2 wins under his belt. He is also completing his 2 years work as the Player's Chairman.
"I am really enjoying playing golf right now."

He had suffered a lot during his season, but now he seems to be satisfied. He holds the top position on Driving Accuracy for the past 3 rounds. Ryo is feeling jubilant going into the final 18 holes tomorrow.

He has lost his chance to become the Order of Merit Champion, but if he wins this week, he will still make history. With the 40 million yen winner's prize, his career total prize money will exceed 10 billion yen mark. He will renew the record Yuta Ikeda has made in 2017 at the age of 31 years and 269 days.
"I will prepare well again tomorrow and will play calm and wise. If I play as always until after the turn, I will get my chances for the win."

For this season finale Golf Nippon Series, every player will attend the awarding ceremony. It will be nice to hear the victory speech and closing speech both from the Player's Chairman.