5th year professional Hirotaka Ashizawa scored 65 on R3 to make his way into one of the three co-leaders facing Final Round Sunday. This will be his first time to be in the final grouping on Final Round. Now he has really good chance for aiming for his first Tour victory.

Hirotaka is not Tour Card holder, he was given sponsor invitation to this tournament this week as he is an affiliate to the Tanabe CC, which is near by course to this week's venue.

In 2017, he made his professional debut at this tournament. He has experienced only 10 tournaments, and his career earnings are still 972,400-yen.
"I was getting nervous on ending stretch, but I told myself that it is still R3. I was able to make middle range putts. I should say key to my success today was my putting. I really thank my caddy for her support."

Juri Matsumoto caddying this week, she is also affiliate to same Tanabe Course, and she has passed the JLPGA Pro Test in 2nd place this June. Hirotaka didn't need her help on the 13 yards chip-in he made at 10th, but she has given him advice on reading the lines.

Hirotaka darted his 2nd shot on 8th to 50 cm and went on making 5 straight birdies.
"When we had different opinions, I decided to putt it straight. She helped me to make long ones too."

Hirotaka was referring to the 11-meter putt on 11th.
"Actually, I didn't read the line on that hole. I was bitten by mosquito on the tee ground, and I was too busy thinking about that. He made that putt on his own", laughed Juri.

Juri has her JLPGA's Step Up Tour final, Kyoto Ladies Open waiting to be held at this Joyo CC in November, so this is her great chance to take sneak preview. Hirotaka says he wants to give her good images.
Juri is excited to see the top players performances on front seat.
"Men's golf is definitely different level. All the putts looks like it will go in as they take putt."

Juri's positive and energetic character is also helping Hirotaka to push himself.
"I have never been in such a good position after R3. I can't imagine what I will be feeling tomorrow, but I am sure I will be nervous wreck. Still, I want to enjoy it."

Juri added, "I am just pushing the cart for him, but I hope we could have fun chatting along the way and support him to grab that victory."