Ryosuke Kinoshita played smoothly through a tough rainy Sagamihara GC with bogey free round of 68.
"I was aiming for 5 under today."

Ryosuke had the chance for that 5 under, if he had made the birdie chance on 18th, but he had to settle for a co-leader position with an amateur Yuta Sugihara.
"To be able to play without bogey on this tough course is more than great."

Last week at the Japan Players Championship, Ryosuke could not perform as he wished and missed the cutline for the first time this year.
"My swing wasn't stable. I have worked with my coach and my tee shots got really better. I am glad that my swing was fixed in time for this week."

He also had the chance to learn some tips from Daisuke Maruyama, who used to play overseas, on the practice round.
"Daisuke has been playing in US and, through my practice round, he taught me key points on the short games. He told me to loosen my wrists. I have been practicing a lot and it seems to be making an effort. My shots are becoming very consistent."

This week's winner will be awarded with the invitation to British Open. But Ryosuke already has his ticket which he earned by finishing 6T at SMBC Singapore Open in 2019.

Ryosuke has been in contention but hasn't been able to close the deal on this prolonged 20-21 season as he finished 2T at SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters, 5T at Dunlop Phoenix, then 4T at Token Homemate Cup.
"I really want to win. But that feeling of wanting to win too much is giving me pressure, so I will try to just concentrate on shot by shot."