Riki Kawamoto is back in action with magnificent 9 under performance on R3. He made 5 straight birdies from his starting hole to pay back for his loss on his 2R, he went on to make an eagle on 12th by darting the 2nd shot from 202 yards to 3-meters.

He was on the roll, but he played with care on the Par 5 16th, as he said, "I must make par here, to shake off the disastrous mistake I did yesterday. So, I chose 2I rather than 1W, then to 4I. I got caught in the right-side bunker but got it out to 3-meter to finish with a birdie. I was able to pay back for my regretful mistake today."

What Riki was referring to about 16th, is that he scored "9" on that hole in R2. His 2nd shot ended up in OB zone, and his 4th shot became lost ball. With this "9" on his score card, he plunged down to 23T yesterday. But he made more than great come back with 63 on R3 and jump up to 4T, just 1 stroke behind the leaders.

Riki called Tommy Nakajima right after his 2R to get some advice.
"He always cares so much for me and supports me. He tried to make me feel better by telling me about his experiences and told me to forget and shift my mind from that mistake. Then I was encouraged by my coach. He was worried why I made 9 on that par 5. He was kind to hear me out. Afterwards, my sister, an JLPGA professional, called me and said that I lack knowledge etcetera. She just kept on pointing out what I did wrong, but anyhow, I was felling okay this morning and successfully left that mistake behind me."

Riki will be in the same group with another great amateur Keita Nakajima, 1 group in front of the final group. They are both just 1 shot behind the leaders.
Riki and Keita are both Nippon Taiku University students and they are just 1 grade apart.
"We went to hot springs together yesterday. We have neem buddies for some time and has been practicing together. We play other sports like baseball and volleyball during our off times. "

Both Riki and Keita has the chance to become the 5th amateur to win on the professional tournament on Sunday.
"But Keita is current World's No.1 Amateur, and he outranks me. I will be more than happy if I could win, but I do know that is not an easy task. I am just happy to be able to play in such position."

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