Hirata hits the front

Just two months after claiming his breakthrough JGTO victory, rising star Kensei Hirata has put himself in prime position to secure a second title, which could be the biggest of his career yet, at the Japan PGA Championship.

The 22-year-old shot a second consecutive three-under-par 69 in the third round on Saturday, securing a one-shot lead as he heads into the all-important finale at the Eniwa Country Club in Hokkaido.

Hirata sank five birdies, four of which came during the five-hole stretch starting from hole number 11. Despite two bogeys, he managed to remain at the top of the leaderboard for the third day running.

Should Hirata succeed, not only will he be rewarded with a ¥30,000,000 jackpot, but his existing two-year winner's exemption will also be upgraded to a five-year exemption, courtesy of his status as a JGTO flagship event champion.

However, a formidable challenge awaits him in the final 18 holes as veteran Kunihiro Kamii and the in-form Takumi Kanaya, currently ranked number two in the JGTO money list, are hot on his heels.

Kamii fired a 67, sitting just one shot behind Hirata, while Kanaya dazzled with a 66, finishing solo third and just three shots off the pace.

The South Korean duo Ryu Hyun-woo and Hwang Jung-gon, who together have claimed six JGTO titles, should not be discounted either. They are only four shots away in a tie for fourth place.

Ryu picked up six shots over his opening seven holes on his way to carding the day's lowest score of 65. He was joined by Hwang, who ended with a six-under-par 210 after shooting a 71.

Australia's Brad Kennedy could only manage a 72, slipping into a four-way tie for sixth alongside current money leader Keita Nakajima (68), Yuki Inamori (69), and Taiga Semikawa (70), all on 211.

Hirata, who won the Mizuno Open in May, stated that it's crucial for him to manage his nerves as he vies to become the first multiple Tour winner this season.

"Even a one-shot lead can make a significant difference. However, given the challenging nature of the course, a one or two-shot advantage can easily be wiped out within just a hole or two," he said.

"Therefore, I'm not overly focused on how many shots I'm ahead. It's all about managing my own game.

"We're in the final round of a major, so it's normal for anyone in contention to feel pressure. I hope I can effectively cope with it and triumph over it."

"When I won the Mizuno Open, pressure only kicked in in the last three holes. I think I'm going to get even more nervous tomorrow!"

Leading third round scores:

206: Kensei Hirata 68-69-69;

207: Kunihiro Kamii 69-71-67;

209: Takumi Kanaya 75-68-66;

210: Ryu Hyun-woo (Kor) 70-75-75, Hwang Jung-gon (Kor) 68-71-71;

211: Keita Nakajima 71-72-68, Yuki Inamori 72-70-69, Taiga Semikawa 70-71-70, Brad Kennedy (Aus) 68-71-72;

212: Ryo Ishikawa 68-73-71.