Tour veteran Hajime Meshiai ran in seven birdies on his way to a 4-under-par 68 Saturday to take a one-shot lead over unheralded Yasunori Ida on the third day of the Sun Chlorella Classic golf tournament in Hokkaido.
Andrew Bonhomme from Australia carded a 67 to keep in touch with the leaders, claiming third place two shots back at 3-under 213 in the 110 million yen event.
Defending champion Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki was one of four golfers along with first-round leader Katsuyoshi Tomori five shots off the pace at even-par 216.
Fudo pulls ahead
NARITA, Chiba Pref. (Kyodo) Last season's money queen Yuri Fudo produced a sizzling 6-under-par 66 to establish a four-shot lead heading into the final round of the 80 million yen Vernal Open ladies golf tournament on Saturday.
Natsuko Noro sits four shots back with after going round with a pedestrian 71 while Hisako Ogane had a 70 and sits a further stroke off the pace at 15-under 139.