Nobuhito Sato maintained his lead at the Fujisankei Classic on Saturday after a 3-under-par 68 that gave him a one-stroke advantage over Gregory Meyer of the United States.
Sato, aiming for his seventh career win and first this year, made six birdies and three bogeys on the par-71 Kawana Hotel Golf Course in Shizuoka Prefecture to move to an 8-under total of 205 after three rounds.
"It's a tight race and all those in the top 20 still have a chance (to win). If I stay in contention on the back nine tomorrow, I'll get pumped up and just do what I have to do," Sato said.
Toru Suzuki had a 67 to join Hidemasa Hoshino (66) and Lin Keng-chi of Taiwan (68) for a tie for third at 6-under 207.
Webb shares lead
Defending champion Karrie Webb shot a 7-under-par 65 Saturday and charged into a share of the lead after three rounds of the Nichirei Cup World Ladies.
Webb, who won the 72-hole tournament the past two years, carded eight birdies, including five straight from No. 11, and a bogey at the Tokyo Yomiuri Country Club to join overnight leader Yuri Fudo atop the leaderboard with a 12-under 204 total.