Matsuyama to start final round in T29, nine shots off lead

2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama will enter the final round of The Masters in tied-29^th place after carding another even-par 72 on Saturday at Augusta National.

The Japanese stalwart had earlier started his challenge at the year’s first Major with a 72 before following up with a second round 70 to make the cut – extending his streak of made cuts at the Masters to 12 consecutive appearances dating back to 2015.

Competing in his 15^th Masters, Matsuyama will be seeking to improve on his tied-21^st result from last year. He is the sole Japanese player remaining in the field after 2025 Japan Open champion Naoyuki Kataoka missed the cut after rounds of 84 and 75.

Meanwhile, defending champion Rory McIlroy, who produced one of the most remarkable finishes in major championship history by birdieing six of his final seven holes to take a record six-shot lead after 36 holes, will begin the final round tied for the lead with Cameron Young after signing for a 73.

“I didn’t quite have it today. A lot of guys are in with a chance tomorrow. I'm still tied for the best score going into tomorrow, so I can't forget that, but I do know I'm going to have to be better if I want to have a chance to win,” said McIlroy.

Ends.