24 years old Rikuya Hoshino is all pumped up for the chance to make his 2 years' worth wish. Rikuya scored 68 on R3 and jumped up as one of 3 co-leaders heading into Sunday.

He performed magnificently on 2 of the Par 3's, as he got to 2.5-meter for birdie on 189 yards 8th, he also almost had a Hole-in-One on 155 yards 15th, both by 9I.

Greens are getting faster by a minute to dryness, but high trajectory shot by 189cm tall body darts the green and stops as he wishes.
"That 15th was really close. Wind was from the left side and I really got my shot on perfect line towards the pin. I thought I went in. I really wish it did."

Rikuya was with Chan Kim and Kunihiro Kamii, both famous for their long distances.
"But this course does not require much distance, you need to be creative and make various shots. Low trajectory, fade, draw, and controlled shots. So, I wasn't intimidated by the long hitters."

1 shot behind lurks 53 years old veteran, Toru Taniguchi.
"I had privilege of playing with Toru for many times. He has so many variation on his short games, so if I make any careless mistakes, he will overtake me easily."

3 shots behind stands young gun Tomohiro Ishizaka and so many other young guns are making remarkable results on the tournaments.
"Like Keita Nakajima who finished as runner-up last week, so many young stars are bursting into the professional level, so I must push myself to be better and not get beaten my them."

2 years ago, Rikuya has lost to his senior college mate, Tomoharu Otsuki in the playoffs.
"I must get the job done this year and win what I lost 2 years ago."