Matsuyama Makes His Move as Nakajima Stalls

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States: Hideki Matsuyama put himself in position to equal KJ Choi’s Asian record of eight PGA Tour victories after a brilliant seven-under 63 propelled him into solo second following the third round of the Sony Open.

China’s Li Haotong, playing on a sponsor’s exemption, also remained in contention in the US$7.5 million PGA Tour tournament despite running up a costly double-bogey six en route to a 68 to share third position, four off the pace being set by American Russell Henley.

Henley, chasing a fourth Tour win and second title at the Sony Open, carded a 67 for a two-shot lead and an 18-under 192 total, a career low 54-hole score.

Tied for fifth place at the half-way stage, Japan’s Keita Nakajima, number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and reigning Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) winner, dropped off the leaderboard after a 72.

Matsuyama, a two-time winner of the AAC during his amateur days, sank seven birdies in a bogey-free round and now has a chance to join Choi as the most successful Asian golfer in PGA Tour history if he’s able to reel in Henley on Sunday.

Last season, the 29-year-old Japanese won the Masters Tournament for his first Major victory, and then claimed a popular triumph at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP on home soil in October.

Much of his success in the third round in Hawaii was down to his putting, snaring four birdies from inside 10 feet, Matsuyama rolled in putts of 37 feet and two from about 13 feet on 13, 15 and 18 to charge up the leaderboard.

“Probably putting was my strong point today. Even my missed putts found the hole! I was lucky,” said Matsuyama, who ranks second in Strokes Gained: Putting through three rounds.

His 12th consecutive round in the 60s – the best active streak this season – meant he also set a career best 54-hole score of 194.

Matsuyama said the strong support he is receiving in Hawaii has been fun. “Whenever there is a big crowd like this, it gives you some extra motivation, and I just kind of rode with all their cheers. Hopefully tomorrow will be another good day,” he said.

The 26-year-old Li continued to lurk near the lead despite his mishap on 16 where he compounded mistake after mistake after initially pulling his tee shot into trouble. But five birdies and one bogey softened the blow somewhat as he seeks to become the first mainland Chinese winner on the PGA Tour.

“Well, another great day. Any day you shoot under par is a good score. I found my putting not as hot as normal and had a couple of bad tee shots, especially on 16. Apart from that, I felt quite solid,” said Li, who was once ranked in the top-50 in the world but entered the week in 460th position.