Naoyuki Kataoka's 1st Tour victory was dramatic turn-around win of 4 strokes. He turned professional in November of 2019, but this 20-21 season is his first full season on the Tour. It was his first time start his 3rd Round as a solo leader.
"I told myself not to think about it, but I guess I got stiff."

His round was totally different from the perfect round he make with 63 on the 2R.
"I was nervous and also under lots of pressure, so I couldn't make the putts even I had good chances. My hands were shaking."

He couldn't make birdie chances for 17 times today.
"I just couldn't make any."

Except for the birdie on 6th, he was surviving with saving pars. Then upsetting double bogey came on Par 3 17th. His 2nd shot from the trees couldn't reach the green, and the short game from the roughs was 2-meters short. He 2 putted for double bogey.
"I tried to push myself that I must get a birdie on the final hole."

His 2nd shot was in the sand, but he got his 3rd shot to 1-meter of the pin.
"I made that putt with all of my might. Thanks to the birdie on the final hole, I was able to play barely decent golf today."

He finished his 3R with Even, totaled to 11 under, and kept his deficit against the leader with 3 strokes. Now he will be chasing the leader on the Final Round, which he has successful memory of.
"I think I could relax and play aggressive tomorrow. I never dreamed of having such a future like this. I was telling myself don't get too greedy, there will be hard times. But I am having the chance to go for my V2 now. So, I want to get greedy and aim for it."

Many of the young guns on the Tour will be cheering for each other on LINE messages tonight.
"We all cheer one another. I am a new face on the Tour too, and we support each other and give good vibes."