Song continues to lead the way

South Korea's Song Young-han carded a two-under-par 70 on Saturday, maintaining a share of the lead at the Sansan KBC Augusta in Fukuoka.

The 32-year-old, bidding for his only second win on JGTO since he captured the SMBC Singapore Open in 2016, led by one shot overnight.

While Song notched up four birdies, he also dropped two shots. This saw him joined by veterans Yusaku Miyazato and Masanori Kobayashi, who shot rounds of 65 and 67 respectively, at the summit of the leaderboard with a total of 14-under-202.

Song lamented that his putter had cooled off, requiring 29 putts for the entire day—a stark contrast to the 24 he needed when shooting a 64 on Friday.

"Since my putts weren't really dropping today, I hope they find their mark tomorrow like they did yesterday," said Song, discussing his aspirations for the final day as he pursues a long-awaited win.

"If I can sink those putts, I genuinely believe I stand a chance. I'll give my all until the very end."

Miyazato's outstanding performance which saw him mixed an eagle, six birdies and a single bogey, positions him well to end his six-year title drought on the JGTO.

Miyazato hasn't secured any additional victories since his dominant 2017 season, where he clinched four titles en route to being crowned the JGTO prize money king.

"If I'm in contention for the win on the Sunday back nine, I'd like to play more aggressively," vowed Miyazato, who has seven Tour victories to his name

In a season marked by the rise of young stars like Keita Nakajima, Takumi Kanaya, Taiga Semikawa, and Kensei Hirata, Miyazato is motivated to match their prowess and give them tough competition.

"Thanks to the younger players. They're an inspiration," said Miyazato, who missed the cut only once and finished in the top 10 four times in 15 starts.

"While I can't match their driving distance, I think about how to get through the round more efficiently and how to maintain my focus.

"I have to rely on accuracy and experience. I know my strengths and weaknesses, but I make sure to focus on the positives and ensure I don't make mistakes in my approach."

Justin De Los Santos of the Philippines lost some ground after struggling to sign for a 71, but still stayed within striking distance at three shots off the pace.

He shared the seventh place with three others on 205.

Leading third round scores:

202: Yusaku Miyazato 70-67-65, Masanori Kobayashi 67-68-67, Song Young-han (Kor);

203: Ryutaro Nagano 70-66-67, Kosuke Suzuki 65-68-70;

204: Takumi Kanaya 66-69-69;

205: Ryo Katsumata 69-67-69, Jinichiro Kozuma 69-66-70, Taichi Nabetani 68-66-71, Justin De Los Santos (Phi) 66-68-71;

206: Taisei Shimizu 68-69-69.