21 years old Tomohiro Ishizuka and 53 years old Toru Taniguchi shares the co-leader spot with 10 under total going onto the weekends. The have never played together in the same groupings before.
"Toru already has flattered me yesterday saying 'you are pretty good'. I am already nervous about what he would say tomorrow. I am aware about his ways of placing pressure by flattering. But I am also looking forward to playing along his side for the first time."

Tomohiro scored 65 with triple chip-ins yesterday, so today's 67 may seem not well, but he still had so many great short game, including back-to-back birdies.
"I was able to make red numbers today too. I was able to make 2 to 3 meters par saving putt on 4 holes. I believe making those clutch putts is really important to be in contention. I also want luck to be on my side too."

Tomohiro always picks up any garbage he finds on the course believing that will offer him good luck. May be that good effort gave him luck to survive the miss shot on 4th where he bent his shot and ended up down on the cliff but was able to make it up and down for saving 1.5-meter par putt.
"I have been saved by my short game and putter for the last 2 days. I hope I could make birdies charge from my first nine tomorrow."

Tomohiro has turned Pro in 2019 and in November's Dunlop Phoenix, his 3rd tournament, he lost to Takumi Kanaya in the play-offs.
He is eager to fight back, and his first try this year at last week's Token, where he finished at 8T. That top 10 finish gave him the ticket to this week's game. Tomohiro is always with smiles and seems very friendly guy, but his eye got serious as he said, "I want to win as fast as I could. I really want my first victory as soon as possible." Very motivated and fill with ambition like a young tiger ready to hunt.