183cm tall slender body was showing many body languages today.
"I somehow managed to hang on", said Rikuya Hoshino, as his face blushed up a little from the tough fight.

3rd Round was under howling wind condition, and it made many players make unforced errors.
"I really hanged on today", repeated Rikuya, as he did face so many troubles after he made the turn.

On 11th, his tee shot went into the right-side woods, but he managed to make 3-meter downhill breaking right putt. Then on reachable Par 4 15th, his 2nd shot hit the tree and ended up buried in the bunker. He got it out but had to make 4-meter to save par.

On 16th, where he chose to hit his tee shot with 3W, "I yacked it way left. It was near the OB line", which was also near the tree trunk. He somehow managed to get it out of the woods, and miraculously saved par by making 7-meter putt.

"I knew it will be really tough under this gusty wind condition. But didn't think it would be this tough. I am glad that I was patient and able to hang on."

Rikuya made another 4-meter par saving putt, then finally a great prize came at final 18th. He was able to make it in two on Par 5 18th, 2 putted for birdie to close his tiresome day.

Rikuya, who now sits as solo leader with 2 shot margin is on the good roll to keep his promise. Rikuya received his invitation to the PGA Championship on May 10th. He has decided to challenge the US Open qualifier in US instead of doing it in Japan due to 2 weeks of restriction period.
"Since I will be away for some time, I really want to win this week and earn some advantage."

Rikuya who turned 25 on May 12th, also wants to give himself a big birthday gift, this week, his career V5 and a ticket to the British Open which is applied to this week's winner.

Rikuya said, "I must adjust on my tee shots in order to recover from my mistakes I made today. I want to be able to score in 60s and go for the victory."
As for his data, he has won 100%, when he starts out in final group on the final round.
This data may be favoring him to earn his birthday wish.