Takahito Hataji's average distance is 313.30 and now he ranks No.1 on driving distance STATS.

"I have had this long distance advantage since my university days, and I have never lost against any Japanese players."

He is about 5 yards longer than 2017 & 2019 No.1 driving distance king, Cham Kim.

As for 1R driving distance record, which was taken at 2 holes averages of 324 yards 11th 333 yards 12th, Takahiro marked 328.50 yards and ranked No.1 He is 188cm tall, and as for his weight, he says it changes so rapidly, but this week he is 98kg.

This well-built body has no problem hitting against gusty wind which marked maximum instantaneous wind velocity hit 16 meters. 7th year professional played with 1 eagle, 4 birdies and 3 bogeys to score 67.

On last hole of his front nine, at 525 yards Par 5 18th, he took the downwind advantage and got his 2nd shot on the green.

"I have shot it with not much of power, but it landed close next to the pin."

He made that 4-meter eagle putt and made the turn with 30, at 5 under.

He added another birdie on565 yards Par 5 3rd and reached 6 under for a moment.

"If I could have kept that 6 under, it would have been really great."

Unfortunately, he made 3 consecutive bogeys from long Par 4 6th, as he faced up wind holes.

"Those 3 bogeys made me feel depressed."

But he was able to join the 3-way tie at the top with Tadahiro Takayama and Dylan Perry.

"I am not good at laying up on my tee shots. But this week there are several holes I could swing my 1W as much as I want, so I think I do have some advantage."

He has received sponsor's invitation to this tournament for 2 years in a row. Last year he was saying that playing on greens near Mt. Fuji is difficult for him, but he says, "I am getting used to the tough and lines".

"I am 28 years old, but there are so many talented young players out here now, so I can't say I am among the young players anymore. I must push myself to higher grounds."

He has earned over 18 million yen and ranks at 44th on Money List and he has safely secured his Tour Card now. With his tremendous blast as lethal weapon, this 28 years old is eager to capture his first victory.