Japanese golfers Nasa Hataoka and Yuna Araki topped the leaderboard after the third round of the LPGA's Toto Japan Classic on Saturday. Hataoka carded a 4-under 68, while Araki shot a 7-under 65, both finishing at 15-under 201. Several other Japanese players are close behind heading into the final round.
Japanese golfers Nasa Hataoka and Yuna Araki sat atop the leaderboard after Saturday's third round of the LPGA's Toto Japan Classic, held at Seta Golf Club in western Japan.
Hataoka has shared the lead in each of the first three rounds, partnering with different golfers each time. She shot a 4-under 68 in the third round. Araki fired a 7-under 65 to join her at 15-under 201.
Three more Japanese players trail closely into Sunday's final round. Miyu Yamashita, fresh off a win at last week's Maybank Championship in Malaysia, carded a 68 and sits one stroke back. Shuri Sakuma (69) is three shots behind, and Ai Suzuki (70) is four off the lead.
Defending champion Rio Takeda posted a 68 but remains nine shots behind after struggling all week. Australia's Minjee Lee, one of the field's top players, shot a 74 and is 14 strokes off the pace. With multiple Japanese contenders in contention, the final round promises excitement.