Hataoka and Araki Lead at Toto Japan Classic After Third Round
Japanese golfers Nasa Hataoka and Yuna Araki are tied for the lead after Saturday’s third round of the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic, setting the stage for a dramatic final day.
Hataoka shot a 4-under 68 and Araki carded a 7-under 65, both finishing at 15-under 201 at the Seta Golf Club in western Japan. Hataoka has been a consistent presence at the top of the leaderboard throughout the tournament, sharing the lead after each of the first three rounds. The strong showing by Japanese players comes as the nation continues to grow its presence in international golf.
Miyu Yamashita, fresh off a victory at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia last week, is just one stroke behind the leaders after a 68, while Shuri Sakuma (69) is three back and Ai Suzuki (70) trails by four. Defending champion Rio Takeda is nine shots off the pace following a 68. Australian Minjee Lee, currently ranked among the top players in the world, sits 14 shots behind the leaders after a 74. You can find the official tournament details on the LPGA website.
The winner of the Toto Japan Classic receives a full two-year exemption on the LPGA Tour. Sunday’s final round will determine who claims both the title and the valuable tour benefits.
Officials anticipate a competitive final round as the top five players are all within four strokes of each other. For more information on the LPGA tour and its players, visit LPGA.com.
