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Sunday November 29, 2009

Teen sensation Ishikawa ties for Casio Open lead

KOCHI: Japan’s teenage sensation Ryo Ishikawa shot a four-under 68 to tie for the three-way lead after the third round of the Casio Open golf tournament yesterday.

The 18-year-old Ishikawa, the leader of the money earner’s list, carded five birdies against one bogey to catch up with overnight leaders Komei Oda and Shigeki Maruyama on a three-round total of 14-under 202.

“One birdie, or one par, means a lot in this free-for-all competition. It was windy today but I was able to play the best round I could do in these conditions,” said Ishikawa.

“For tomorrow, first of all, I will try to play very well, then I will try to join the competition for the title. I want to play the 18th hole with the possibility of winning the title,” he added.

Ishikawa has revived the Japanese men’s game since winning the domestic KSB Cup in May 2007 as a 15-year-old amateur, making him the youngest winner of any event on one of the world’s six major tours.

Defending champion Oda, who claimed his first career title last year here, sank two birdies, while Maruyama had five birdies against three bogeys, both for a 70.

Katsumasa Miyamoto trailed the three leaders by one stroke, followed by fellow Japanese Tomohiro Kondo and Tetsuji Hiratsuka one stroke further back and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand on 205. — AFP

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