Matsuyama on the verge of history
Hideki Matsuyama will take a three stroke lead going into the final round of the WGC-HSBC Champions on Sunday.
The Japanese star carded a four under 68 around Sheshan International to move to 17 under for the tournament, three shots ahead of defending champion Russell Knox who is alone in second.
Matsuyama is bidding to become the first Asian player to win a World Golf Championship event and is now just 18 holes away from doing so.
The 27-year-old had a subdued round by his standards, but will be happy to have kept his card bogey-free and the challengers at arms length.
Matsuyama was brave on the final hole, taking a 3 wood into the semi-island green 225 yards away. It paid off, as his cut shot landed softly on the green to leave himself a 28 foot putt for eagle.
While he would miss the chance, Matsuyama tapped in for his fourth birdie of the day and a flawless round.
"The first two days, making lots of birdies, it's a lot of fun," said Matsuyama.
"But today, when you're in a position to win, playing smart and making no bogeys was very satisfying to me today.
"Everyone is so good. I know I'm going to have to make some birdies. But I think the key for tomorrow's round will be not making any bogeys."
Knox continued his strong bid of a title defence with a second consecutive 68, while Daniel Berger moved into third on 13 under. Further down the leaderboard, Francesco Molinari and BIll Hass are in T4 on 12 under.
The round of the day belonged to Shane Lowry, with his seven under 65 that took him to nine under in T8 along with Henrik Stenson and Thomas Pieters.
Saturday also saw the tournaments six hole-in-one since it's inception, with American veteran Matt Kuchar holing out on the par three 17th.
Latest
-
NewsSteve Stricker must blend experience with raw rookie talent in bid for Ryder Cup
Stricker will soon discover if having eight of the top 10 can see his US side regain the trophy in his home state of Wisconsin.
-
Ryder CupEurope Ryder Cup build-up: The best quotes and social from Whistling Straits
A look at what the European players are saying – on the course and off – ahead of the start of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.
-
Ryder CupRyder Cup reality: Get a fast start or pray for a miracle
Recent history tells us that the team that leads at the end of day one will complete victory unless something sensational happens.
-
Ryder CupRyder Cup: Can Bryson DeChambeau be a team player at Whistling Straits?
Golf’s biggest hitter has plenty to prove when he goes into battle against the Europeans in Wisconsin this week.
-
NewsSteve Stricker latest US captain trying to contain European talisman Ian Poulter
The Englishman has been given a wild card by captain Padraig Harrington for this week’s contest at Whistling Straits.
-
NewsEurope players go on charm offensive with ‘cheeseheads’ to appel to local fans
The visitors tried to endear themselves to supporters from Wisconsin by wearing the hats associated with the Green Bay Packers.
-
NewsI’ll get a tattoo if we win the Ryder Cup, says Padraig Harrington
The Irishman will captain Europe at Whistling Straits this week.
-
NewsIan Poulter demands ‘extra special’ effort from Europe to upset Ryder Cup odds
The United States are firm favourites to make it seven wins in the last eight contests for the home side.
-
NewsTommy Fleetwood ready to forge new partnership after ‘Moliwood’ success in Paris
The English-Italian pairing won four points together over the first two days in Paris three years ago.
-
NewsTeam USA captain Steve Stricker tells fans not to ‘cross the line’ at Ryder Cup
Europe’s Rory McIlroy had to ask for a man to be removed for being abusive the last time the contest took place in America.