Rikuya Hoshino gave a sigh of relief on his final 18th. He was able to slide in safely as 50T with total Even par to make the cutline. Current No.2 on the Money Rankings was under a great pressure playing on the bubble for making the cutline on his 2R.

As an amateur Keita Nakajima had to WD due to his back pain, this group was twosome, just Rikuya and Ryo Ishikawa. They had same experience back at Sansan KBC Augusta's 3R. That time, Rikuya and Ryo enjoyed the driving battle among themselves and made great scores. But this week was different story for Rikuya, as he was fighting hard to stay alive and making the cutline.

Rikuya was given the affiliate sponsorship this week by the Kowa Co. Ltd., who is the main sponsor of this tournament.
"Best way to show my appreciation is to win, but I must make the cutline first."
But Rikuya placed himself under big pressure as he finished his 1R with 2 over par at 73T.

"I was so nervous on my back nine today. I was constantly worried about the cutline. But playing along with Ryo really helped. It was fun making fist touches and smiling with him."

Now that Rikuya is safely moving onto the weekends, and relieved of the pressure.
"I will be able to play without pressure from tomorrow. I was playing so safely for past 2 days, but from tomorrow on I will go aggressive. I do have big margin against the top, but I will aim for playing at least 5 under tomorrow and try to lessen the gap."