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Hataoka, Araki Share 54-Hole Lead at Toto Japan Classic as Home Contenders Set the Pace

The penultimate LPGA stop tightens the race for Tour Championship spots with Japanese players controlling the leaderboard.

Overview

  • Nasa Hataoka posted a 5-under 67 to reach 15 under, matching Yuna Araki, who surged with a 65 that included five straight birdies from Nos. 2–6.
  • Miyu Yamashita holds solo third at 14 under and will join Hataoka and Araki in Sunday’s final group.
  • Japanese players occupy the top six positions after three rounds at Seta Golf Club in Shiga as internationals slipped, including world No. 3 Minjee Lee dropping to T-52 after a closing double-bogey for 74.
  • South Korea’s Jiyai Shin is tied for sixth at 10 under, five shots back after a third-round 73.
  • Only the top 60 will qualify for the Nov. 20–23 Tour Championship in Florida, heightening pressure during Sunday’s finish at this 78-player no-cut event.