Kozuma extends advantage

Jinichiro Kozuma remains the man to catch after a third-round five-under-par 66 saw him open up a three-shot lead at the Token Homemate Cup on Saturday.

Not even a problem with his swing could stop Kozuma from putting himself on the brink of a second JGTO victory at the season-opening event held at the Token Tado Country Club Nagoya.

Leading by one at the halfway stage, the 27-year-old stretched his advantage by compiling a three-day total of 12-under-par 201 as he heads into Sunday’s final showdown, bidding to win again after his breakthrough win at the Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters in 2020.

The Japanese reeled in six birdies, including two on his last four holes, to mix with a lone bogey to break away from the chasing pack. His closest competitors are Rikuya Hoshino and Aguri Iwasaki, who carded 68 and 67 to be placed second and third on 204 and 205, respectively.

A host of players, including American Han Lee, the best-placed international player in the field in tied 10th, are in hot pursuit of Kozuma.

Han, a JGTO veteran in his 14th season, returned with a 66 to stay seven shots back.

Kozuma is well aware that the contest is far from over as the demanding course conditions can spring surprises. But what bothers Kozuma at the moment is none other than his swing. 

“My swing doesn’t reflect the score and the position that I have achieved today,” said Kozuma, who had three runner-up finishes last season.

“I’m still exploring my swing and trying hard to get it right. It was all good during the practice, but I couldn’t replicate it on the course due to a lack of confidence and anxiety.

“For tomorrow, I need to stay patient and do what I can.”

Han will aim to at least cling to his current position as he looks towards securing his first top 10 finish in three years.

Han took full advantage of the benign conditions to impress with a scorecard containing an eagle, four birdies and a bogey, reaching the 54-hole mark on five-under.

“It’s always so windy here, but we got lucky today. There was not much wind today,” said Han, a one-time JGTO winner but not since 2012.

“I had a really good company today playing in the same group with Shaun (Norris). He’s a good friend of mine and Yusaku (Miyazato),” said Han.

Norris, meanwhile, posted a much-improved 67 to move into a tie for 13th, which includes reigning Money List winner Chan Kim (70) on 209.

• 香妻陣一朗