Dashing Ryo Ishikawa is determined to dispel the myth that Japanese golfers are like Guinness – they just don’t travel!
Japan's dashing Ryo Ishikawa looking to stand tall at Firestone. (Photo - Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
Ishikawa, who turns 20 next month, stormed into the contention for a first every victory outside of his homeland, with a sizzling 64 to grab a share of second place in steamy conditions on day three of the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.
Australia’s Adam Scott birdied three holes in succession near the end of his Firestone round of 66 to retain his lead at 12–under par.
Australia’s Jason Day posted a 66 to join Ishikawa at 11-under par.
Two players, Scotland’s Martin Laird (67) and American Keegan Bradley (68) share fourth spot at 10-under par.
Ishikawa has won 10 times but never outside of Japan, and he heads into the final round of the $US 8.5m even looking to become the first Japan golfer to win on the PGA Tour in more than three years after Ryuji Imada captured the 2008 AT & T Championship in a play-off from American Kenny Perry.
Ishikawa is also seeking to become the first player to win on the PGA Tour since then similiar 19 aged American Johnnie McDermott captured the 1911 U.S. Open.
Ishikawa’s previous best finish in the States was a share of 20th earlier this year in the Masters, and that result at Augusta National that has boosted his hopes of victory.
“It’s a little too early to be thinking about winning,” said Ishikawa through an interpreter
“But I do feel I was able to play at a pretty good level, pretty high level today.
“Actually, I am a little surprised on how I performed out there. There were times where I had some trouble shots, hitting out of the trees, but when I was able to make some recovery shots, I had some really warm claps from the fans.
“So I was very happy to be out there today.
“And since the Masters when I was able to finish 20th, it has started to become playing golf over here in the States.”
World No. 1 Luke Donald also ignited hopes of a second WGC success this year with seven birdies in a round of 64 to move to nine under par.
But Donald somewhat soured his round with a final hole bogey.
“I putted a lot better today and that was really the only difference today compared to the first two rounds,” said Donald.
