For the sponsor of this tournament, Srixon, having their contracted players on the top 2 of the leader board going onto Sunday is a dream come true. Rikuya Hoshino is in the solo leader position and Shota Akiyoshi follows Rikuya with 2 shot deficits.

2 players gathered after the round to be at the interview session for the fans. Shota who says that his game suits this course said, "I have no pressure at this course and all of my shots gets dead to the pin from everywhere. I will be hard to beat tomorrow."

"Seems to be a tough one tomorrow", said Rikuya, acted like he was afraid of 6 years older senior Shota, but it was just an act.

It was raining from the morning and made it tough to get going. Rikuya recalled saying that he had tough time adjusting to the wet grass and ended up bogeying the first hole. On 9th, he went for the green, but it found the water. Nevertheless, he scrambled to save par there and got back on the track. He told himself that he will get to total 20 under today and he has done it by making 4 straight birdies from 12 and on. He finished with another birdie on 18th and scored "30" on his back nine.

Rikuya's caddy is his classmate from his high school and was born and raised in Fukushima Prefecture. His caddy uses to be in the high school baseball club but started to play golf influenced by Rikuya. His best score is 71. He found a job once, but wanted to join Rikuya in golf world, and now he is carrying Rikuya's bag.

Rikuya says, he can relax and play well since his caddy has known him for years. This good combination could be the key.

Either Rikuya or Shota, many strong and talented players are just few shots behind.
"I just wish that some Srixon player would win this week, and I hope I will be the one with 30 under par total."
Rikuya and Shota might be able to make the new most under par record of the Japan Tour tomorrow.

*Japan Tour's most under par total is "28" done by In-Hoi Hur in 2014 at Toshin Tornament in Central