‘Stunning’ Hideki takes 4-stroke lead
Augusta (United States), April 11: Hideki Matsuyama unleashed an incredible back-nine shotmaking display to seize a four-stroke lead after Saturday’s third round of the Masters, putting the Japanese star on the brink of a historic triumph at Augusta National.
Matsuyama, trying to become the first Japanese man to win a major title, fired a seven-under par 65, his career-low 18-hole Masters total and the first bogey-free round of the week, to stand on 11-under 205 after 54 holes.
“It will be a new experience for me being a leader going into the final round of a major,” Matsuyama said. “I guess I’ll relax as best I can and do my best tomorrow.”
England’s Rose, Australian Marc Leishman and Americans Xander Schauffele and Will Zalatoris shared second on 209.
Rose, the 2013 US Open champion and a two-time Masters runner-up who led by one when the day began, needed a long par putt at 18 to salvage a second consecutive level par 72.
“I didn’t play well enough today, simple as that,” Rose said.
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“Of course I would have liked to have stayed with it a little better. To have a shot tomorrow, I’m delighted.”
Matsuyama adapted as lightning-fast Augusta National was softened by rain, taking full advantage by going six-under in a seven-hole stretch of the back nine.
After a 78-minute storm delay, swirling winds vanished and the wet course was receptive. However, slowed greens became tricky to read — except by Matsuyama.