Takumi Kanaya has been away for a while, making tough challenges overseas. This week he is back to Japan Tour, after being away for 6 tournaments.
"My shots are good, but my putting was not precise with the green speed. But today, it finally matched."
As he referred, he made 7 birdies and a bogey to score 66, and jumped up to 10 under total, at 8T.

Takumi has been away since PGA Championship in May. He traveled to both US and EPGA Tours.
"I am achieving many from the experience I absorbed from challenging abroad."

He also is very happy that the site of this tournament, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture is the birthplace for his favorite Hamburger Steak restaurant chain. Takumi always has his meal at this restaurant when he is facing a big task.

Last November at Dunlop Phoenix, where he won his 1st victory after turning Pro, the restaurant chain praised him by giving him free meal tickets.
"I even know where their headquarter is located. I played so well today, so I will have the same meal tonight."

He is 8 shots behind the leader, but Takumi says, "I am always aiming to win", so his mind set is same as usual.
"No matter how many shots I am behind, as long as I produce multiple birdies, I will still have my chance."

To gain his momentum for a big come from behind victory, he will fill his appetite with his favorite cheese hamburger dish tonight.