Defending champion Takumi Kanaya came in this week as current No.1 on Money Rankings. At the press conference, Takumi said, "I have so many goals, but if I could defend my title this week, all of my goals will get closer to accomplish, so I want to focus and play my best an each and every tournament."

Dunlop Phoenix has several players who succeeded in defending the champion title, Jumbo Ozaki has 3-peated in 1996, Tiger Woods 2-peated in 2005, and Brooks Koepka 2-peated in 2017. Takumi has the chance to join this prestigious list, and also if he becomes Order of Merit champion on his rookie season, he will become the 2nd player to do so following Hideki Matsuyama in 2013.

But as this week's purse is big, and winner will be provided with 30-million-yen. Rikuya Hoshino, Yuki Inamori and, Jinichiro Kozuma, the Srixon sponsored hosting professional of this week's tournament also has great chance.

Rikuya, who now sits at 3 rd on Money Rankings has been having a tough summer with challenging US PGA Championship, US Open, British Open and Tokyo Olympics.

"I had so many unsatisfying tournaments, but I must shift my mind and concentrate. If I could grab myself a good momentum this week, that will be awesome."

Rikuya has experienced "victory by hosting professional" back in Dunlop Srixon Open in 2019.

"If I could make this week my second one, that will be wondersful."

As for current No.9 on the Money List, Jinichiro Kozuma, he is born and raised in local Miyazaki Prefecture and has hometown advantage.

"I want to show the local fans that I have become stronger. I know I do have the chance for the Money Race if I could win this week."

He son at SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters last year and wanted to be welcomed by his hometown fans with glory, but last year was without spectators due to pandemic. He couldn't meet with his graduate school's children who always comes as volunteer.

"I think they will come on weekends, so I want to show my best effort and give excitement."

1st Round is dedicated to medical and health care workers, and Rikuya told the media that all of the Srixon players will be putting same blue outfit to show the appreciation.

"We want to send out deepest appreciations to the medical and health care worker. We also want to thank the organizers for having the tournament in such a circumstances."