Next week's season finale JC Cup only allowed Top 30 players, so for the players fighting hard to survive in the bubble zone, in other words whose money earnings are around 65th, have only this week's tournament. Their status for next season will decided.

53 years old Taichi Teshima, who is currently 76th on the Money List and wishing to attain his Tour Seed, faced shocking disaster last week at Dunlop Phoenix. He played his 1R with 4 under, but on his score card, he wrote 5 instead of 4 on 15th hole and got disqualified.

"I did the same careless mistake last year and was disqualified, so this year I was really careful. I took time to check and felt sure that it was all written correctly. I was playing well. It felt like I was getting trapped by something. I was shocked and literary dropped on my knees."

He made a great start but couldn't add not even 1 yen. Taichi has kept his Tour Seed for past 22 seasons. He failed to attain the Seed by Money Earnings in 2018, but he had a year left from the 5-year exemption he received with the victory in Japan PGA Championship. And this season he used his rights from being Top 25 in the career earnings, which allows only 1 season, and 1 chance. Now he has no other route to choose, other than getting himself into the Top 65 on the Money Rankings on his own.

Taichi in on his 24th year as professional and he is on the tight rope. He is playing on both the Regular Tour and Senior Tour. He has won the Japan Senior Open with big 5 shot margin. He has won the Japan Open in 2001, so became the 4th player to succeeded in winning both Japan Opens, following Isao Aoki, Tommy Nakajima and Toru Taniguchi.

Taichi is playing more tournaments than other Regular Tour members.

"I am thankful that I have no injuries or pains in my body, only a big heart ache from that careless mistake."

Taichi is 3,295,699-yen down from Tatsuya Kodai who is current 65th. He needs finish better than 12th this week.

"Actually, my mind has already gone to the Tom Watson course, where the Final QT will be held."

In 2007, Taichi lost his Tour Seed in EPGA Tours and came home with broken heart but won right after.

"I could have done that kind of miracle before, but I don't think I have that strength anymore. Playing on the Regular Tour being over 50 is way too tough. So, my plan is to finish as best as I could this week, and go challenge the Final QT."