Takahiro Hataji and Takumi Kanaya, leaders of the 3R both stumbled on the ending holes, as they both got caught in the water on final 18th.

Mr. big drive, Takahiro Hataji starts out at 11:10 and by the time the temperature rose, he almost made it to the green on reachable Par 4 10 and showed his advantages. But by the time he reached 18th, the sun was almost down, and temperature was chilled.

"I didn't think properly before my shot"

His 2nd shot was from right side roughs, and he had 163 yards left.

"Right side tree lines were blocking the way, so I had to hit fade ball. Since it was down wind, I thought hitting slice shot with 9I will reach, but I forgot to consider that my body was stiff from the chill. I shot without hesitation, but it was 20 yards short and went into the water."

He managed to place the ball near the pin on his 4th shot and barely saved par, but as he bogeyed 15th and 17th, he really wanted to make eagle on 18th.

"I wanted to make eagle and forgot about making smart course management. 18th is very challenging hole. But it was good lesson today, you must experience it to learn."

It was Takahiro's first time to be in final group on 3R, and he played along with Takumi Kanaya who has 3 Tour wins including the one he accomplished as an amateur and other player Kazuki Higa already won twice this season.

"I am the only one who hasn't won yet. I was watching how the experienced player will perform in contention. I learned a lot and gained good experience. Technically, I am not that far way behind, so I want to put in practice what I have learned today."

Hideto Tanihara took away the leader position, but deficit is only 2 strokes.

"I know that if I play well, there is a chance for my victory."

Final grouping tomorrow will be all Tohoku Fukushi University alumni and Hiroshima Prefecture red.

"Hideto Tanihara has been my admiring player since my junior days. I am not so nervous, I am so happy to play with him."

Takumi Kanaya, who also has good memory of seeing Hideto play on the tournament as Takumi was volunteering as 9 years old.

"I saw magnificent performances. I am really happy to be able to play with such a iconic player and battle for the victory tomorrow."

Takumi plunged his 2nd shot at 18th, and closed the round with 3 straight bogeys, but didn't show much regret in his interview. He just said, "I want to play well tomorrow and win".