A new face, only his 3rd challenge on the Regular Tour, managed to stay at the top of the leader board after R3. 21 years old Tomohiro Ishizaka made 7 birdies, 2 bogies and 1 double bogey to score 68 on Saturday to keep his position as co-leader along with Tomoharu Otsuki.

Tomohiro made a 10 yards chip in from the roughs on the 5th hole. On 13th, he shot through the branches and darted the 2nd shot to tap-in birdie.
"I have confidence in my short games and putting."
As he said, he has made so many 3-6 meters chances today, and at one point he had 5 shots lead against the rest of the crowd.

Every year, Dunlop Phoenix invites top class International players and is known as one of prestigious tournament.
"This is a tournament that I adored since I watched it on TV as a child. I am so grateful that I was given this chance to play."

On 17th, after he took a glance at the leader board, his tee shot bent left and ended up with double bogey. By this time, Tomoharu Otsuki caught up with him.
"I had 2-meter birdie chance on 18th but couldn't make it. I lost my momentum at the end, but I think I was playing aggressive all the way."

"I know I will be very nervous tomorrow too. But tomorrow will decide how my professional life is going to be. So, I want to keep appreciating for the chance that is given to me and win."

If Tomohiro wins, he will become 11th Japanese winner on this tournament and will renew the youngest record now set by Hideki Matsuyama (2014 at 22 years and 271 days).
"I want achieve good result and want to be recognized by many golf fans."

This new face on the Tour is very polite nice guy and well-liked by everyone. If he wins, his name will be written down in history along with Tiger Woods (2004 and 2005), Brooks Koepka (2016 and 2017), and Jumbo Ozaki (1994-1996)

Youngest winner ever on Dunlop Phoenix history is Seve Ballesteros in 1977 at the age of 20 years and 232 days. Tomohiro will be second youngest with 21 years and 62 days old on Sunday.