Hidemichi Tanaka reclaimed the lead of the Mizuno Open after a third-round 68 Saturday, taking a four-shot lead into the final day and moved closer to booking a place in next month's British Open.
First-round leader Tanaka carded five birdies and one bogey en route to a 13-under-par total of 203 at the Setonaikai Golf Club in Okayama Prefecture, with overnight leader Kenichi Kuboya and little-known Kazumasa Sakaitani following in second place at 207.
Tanaka, who has won nine titles on the Japanese tour, held his nerve despite a dramatic change in weather conditions, which forced late starters to play in a heavy downpour in the afternoon.