Hideto Tanihara will turn 43 years old in 3 more days. 21-year professional is facing his 34th final group start on the Final Round tomorrow.

He has won at SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters back in 2013, now he has the chance to win this tournament again by having 2 shot lead. Gusty wind died down compared to the first 2 rounds, but still it was blowing strong enough on 3R. But with much experience, Hideto figured the way around the condition and also great management against the tough pin positions.

He made the turn with 3 birdies. After the temperature began to chill, he did face few trouble holes, but he limited his bogey to only 1 at the 16th.

"I got lucky break on 18th by making that 10-meter putt."

He made a fist pump and crowd made noise.

"When we play without spectators, I don't get motivated much, but this week thanks to all of the fans who gathered at the course, I am really happy to play in front of them."

Hideto played along with Takumi Kanaya for 2 weeks in a row. Takumi has participated as junior at Hideto Tanihara Junior Classic for 4 years since it started in 2007.

"There were few hundreds of participants, so I don't recall teaching him, but I am glad that he has turned out to be very talented player. I am happy to play with him as same professionals. I played with him last week and saw his great shots. He has distance and accuracy. I just can't see why he is making bogeys. I know he is really good. I don't know how much I could do, but I will show old man's fighting spirit tomorrow."

Hideto challenged US PGA Tour in 2005, moved to EPGA Tours in 2017 and 2018 just before turning 40. He came back in 2019, but he says, "if I have a chance I want to go back and challenge again."

42 years old with indomitable spirit is showing young ones to follow his footsteps to aim for higher grounds. Hideto won his 10th career victory at Gotemba in 2013.

"That's old history and I don't remember. So, I will try to build another good memory."

Regardless of his age, he is well built and ready to accomplish his 15th Tour victory, a win he has been away for 5 years now.

Big stumble for both leaders Hataji and Kanaya, FR will be all Hiroshima Prefecture bred