Dean Wilson of the United States stretched his lead to eight strokes at the Japan PGA Championship after shooting a third-round 71 Saturday, keeping himself in pole position to claim his first Japanese major title.
Wilson, who began the day five strokes in front, is the only player to go under par after 54 holes at 6-under 207 as the narrow fairways and difficult pin positions at the Queen's Hill Golf Club prevented players from breaking par. "Anything can happen on this golf course. I knew I had a big lead and I just tried to make par on every hole," said Wilson, whose birdies came from between 15 and 25 feet as a result of "aiming shots at the center of the greens."
A victory Sunday will give the 31-year-old the 22 million yen first prize and a five-year exemption on the Japanese tour. Satoshi Higashi, who led last year's tournament after three rounds but eventually lost to Nobuhito Sato, had a 73 and stands alone in second place at 2-over 215.
Taiwan's Hsieh Chin-sheng follows at 216 after a 74.
Nasu takes lead
AMAGI, Fukuoka Pref.(Kyodo) Mineko Nasu shot an even-par 72 Saturday to take a one-stroke lead over five players after the second round of the Vernal Ladies golf tournament. Nasu moved in front of Taiwan's Cheng Mei-chi (70), Mari Nishi (70), Kumiko Hiyoshi (72), Ikuyo Shiotani (73) and Yuri Fudo (74).