Mikiya Akutsu finally moved atop the leaderboard after firing a bogey-free seven-under-par 64 to take charge of the Yokohama Minato Championship- Fujiki Centennial after the third round on Saturday.
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The 29-year-old ended his first two rounds in second place but came out of the blocks quickly on moving day with four birdies in his front-nine before adding three more birdies on holes 12, 14 and 15 to sign for a three-day total of 17-under-par 196 at the Yokohama Country Club.
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“I hit several good shots today. Having said that, I’ve been consistently hitting fairways this week. That is important as it becomes very challenging once you miss the fairways on this golf course,” said Akutsu.
Akutsu will be teeing off in an unfamiliar position on the final day and hopes to calm his nerves as he seeks his JGTO breakthrough this week.
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“This is the first time in my life where I’m in the final group and at the top. I will definitely be nervous, and it’s something I can’t control even if I try. I plan to enjoy the atmosphere and approach the first hole tomorrow with confidence,” said Akutsu.
Starting the round in tied-fourth, Ren Yonezawa also made his move by carding a 65 to secure second place on his own while overnight leader Lee Sang-hee of South Korea slipped to a share of third place with Hiroshi Iwata following a 69.
