Yuta enjoyed 2 rounds with Satoshi Kodaira and Taichi Teshima, the past winner group. They have showed off their technics and experiences on their superb performance which drew a big crowd.
"Great group with Satoshi who just came back from US PGA, and Senior Tour Champion Taichi Teshima, and me."

Satoshi Kodaira is 2015 winner. He came back from US Tour, but this 32 years old is eager to make another challenge going back on US Tour. He made great eagle on 16 and scored 66. Finished as 10 under, just 1 shot behind the leaders.

Taichi Teshima who won in 2001, captured Japan Senior Open title in September. His is the 2nd player ever to accomplish both Regular and Senior Japan Open champion title. He is 53 years old, but played magnificently with scoring 67, totaled to 4 under and gradually climbing up the leader board.
"I bet this group was great to watch for the fans. I bet they have enjoyed."

Yuta Ikeda has won Japan Open twice, 2014 and 2017. In 2014, Yuta won against Satoshi by 1 shot and next year in 2015 it was reversed. Satoshi won against Yuta by 1 shot.
"2014's victory was last one in my 20s."
They spoke about great memories while they played, and Yuta was very much motivated and jumped up to top of the leader board of the morning starting group with 11 under total.

Yuta's performance with 6 birdies and 1 bogey for 66 was filled with technics. On 15th, he rolled his shot up to the green from the roughs to avoid the tree in front of him and made 2 putts for par from the fringe.

It has been a month since Men's golf had spectators. Yuta has the chance to 3-peat the Japan Open title to join the list as 6th player to do so. He also has the chance for winning at least 1 time per season for 12 consecutive years, 2nd longest following Jumbo Ozaki.

"I am not so concerned about those records right now. I just want to win in front of this crowd. No matter how many birdies or nice par saves I make, if no one is watching it is meaningless for me. Having spectators is what the golf tournament should be and we as the professionals must give back excitement with our best performances"