Some young guns are making their names shine on the top portion of the leader board. 23 years old Ryuichi Oiwa is one of them, playing all of his 3 rounds with 68 to join the 5-way tie at 3T, 3 shots behind the leader.

He did end his 3rd Round with a regret, as he did have 2-meter for a birdie chance which he carelessly missed to hole it.
"It curved more than I expected. I was on the roll and misread it."

In 2018, he challenged the tough QT on the course next door to this week's venue.
"Hourai CC has same type of settings, effective water hazards and the undulation of the green might be tougher than here. It was very difficult. I never wanted to come back. But I am happy to play so well on same type of course this week."

"But since everybody is having a birdie charges, 4 under per round will not be enough for tomorrow. So, at least 4 under in my front nine is my goal for tomorrow. I know I will be so nervous, but I hope I could concentrate and perform my style of play. I am so grateful for the Players' Committee to make this tournament happen. I know they went under so many hardships. I also thank the special sponsor Sato Shokuhin for their support. For a player like myself, there are not so many chances provided to be in the field. I want to express my appreciation in my performance."

Ryuichi finished 4th at Token Homemate Cup, which was his best finish. Then he had to withdraw from the Kansai Open, due to fever and back ache. He was worried that it could be the COVID-19 infection, but he tested negative on the PCR, and it turned out to be a just stomach flu.

He is 182cm tall and well built, but "my stomach seems to be delicate."
He won the 2018 Asian cub tour in Brunei, but he suffered pretty bad stomachache at that time too.
"So, my priority is to start tomorrow with healthy stomach. If I feel any pain, I will take my medicine ASAP."