Nasa Hataoka and Yuna Araki are leading the way at the Toto Japan Classic. Both players have posted stunning rounds that rocketed them to the top of the leaderboard. After a 4-under 68 from Hataoka and a remarkable 7-under 65 from Araki, both golfers sit at 15-under 201 going into Sunday’s final round at the Seta Golf Club in western Japan.
Hataoka has been rock solid this entire tournament, tying for the lead in all three of the first rounds. Yet she has been challenged fiercely, with other golfers joining her in a tie for the lead at the end of all four rounds. Yuna Araki put on a show for the Delphi fans on Saturday sinking seven birdies. This phenomenal shot vaulted her into the lead and allowed her to tie Hataoka’s score.
The race is far from over, as less than half a billion dollars separates them from others in close pursuit. After 54 holes Shuri Sakuma is three shots off the pace and Ai Suzuki is four shots back. Rio Takeda from Japan shot a very nice 68 but is nine strokes back of the leaders. At the same time, Miyu Yamashita came home with a 68, finishing only one shot behind Hataoka and Araki.
Defending champion Minjee Lee of Australia started the day two strokes behind but struggled on Saturday. She completed the round with a 74. She’s currently in 13th place and 14 shots in back of that leading pair.
With the tournament about to finish, three other Japanese players remain in contention. They are all keen to put down a marker in Sunday’s final round robin matches. No doubt, the atmosphere will electrify as Hataoka and Araki clash for the title. They’ll be doing it in front of their motivated and spirited home fans at Seta Golf Club.
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