Players were literary drenched with heavy pouring rain and gusty wind. Tough Major setting on Shishido Hills became really unforgiving, especially 17th was becoming unbelievably difficult. 17th is 481 yards with OB zone on the right side and fairway is tilted towards that right side, and a pond stands in players way right in front of the green. This 17th hole's average score was "5.017", became most difficult hole to conquer.

Ryosuke had the chance to have glance at the leader board just after he shot his 2 nd shot from 174 yards to 2.5-meter back of the flag with his 8I.
"When I found out that I was at the top, but didn't have any space in my mind to think about it. My mind was full of the birdie chance that I was facing. I read it that it will break about 4 holes worth, and ball rolled as I aimed and fell into the hole."

Only 5 players were able to make birdie on 17th today. Ryosuke was able to conquer the tough condition and also gave himself a good margin of lead going on to weekends.

Weather forecast was warning about stormy condition and many players were assuming that the round may become cancelled, but perfectly maintenance Shishido Hills green enable players to resume their play.
"It was pouring rain, but the green condition was still playable, it didn't turn out to be a pond. Thanks to this great greens, I was able to finish my round today."

Ryosuke has the ticket to The Open in July, which he had to wait a year to visit, as the Major was cancelled last year. He earned it by finishing 6th at SMC Singapore Open in 2020.
"This heavy rain and gusty wind made me feel like it is practice for The Open. I am getting confidence on my low trajectory shots."

Ryosuke has been in contention but hasn't been able to win yet.
"When I get close to winning, I tend to get too greedy and play too aggressive and stumble. I am not like Ryo, he has charisma and born to be a star player. I must go up the ladder one step at the time. I learn from my mistakes and brush up from experience. I shouldn't compare myself to others and stick to my performance. I believe that eventually the time for my victory will come."
Ryosuke will turn 30 in July.
"I am not the young guns on the Tour anymore. So many young and talented 20s are in the Tour now. I am really hoping to get my 1st victory in my 20s. I want to win and gain confidence before I go challenge The Open in July."