2 past ANA Open winners are making their way up on the leader board at windy Wattsu Course. 49 years old Shinichi Yokota won in 1997, and it was his 1st Tour victory. Azuma Yano won in 2008.

Shinichi Yokota finished at 7 under total, 11T to move onto the weekend.
"On other tournaments, I wish they would move up my tee box as an old man's handicap. But here, it is not too long. When it's less than 7100 yards, I could manage."

Azuma Yano finished at 8 under total, just 1 shot behind the leaders.
"If it wasn't at Wattsu, I have no chance."

2 of them were in the same grouping, and their comments seems to be the same. They both have won here and have advantage in knowing this course inside out.
Shinichi Yokota, who received sponsor invitation to be in the field this week says, "These greens release the club head better than bent greens. I play better when I come here."
He faced trouble at 17th but showed his 26 years' worth talent as he made lob shot from up hill lie to 1-meter to save par.

Azuma Yano said, "It was decades ago that I won here, but I still remember it clearly. I had to lay up for 8 holes 13 years ago, but this year I am only laying up for 2 holes. My course strategy is totally different from the time I won in the past. If I could play satisfying rounds on the weekends, I might even have the chance for the win. That will give me the chance to be back on the Tour."

Shinichi Yokota sends his deep gratitude to ANA for their support. He has started YouTube channel since March last year. Now he has 129000 followers.
"I hope it will reach 130000 this week. Big name guests help to gain followers. I want to promote the greatness of Men's golf. I guess, how good I will do this week is the key, so I will try my best."

Their motives are different, but it is nice to see the old timers making a good come back.