After Tsubasa Kajitani's success at the Augusta National Women's Amateur. Hideki Matsuyama will have the opportunity to claim Japan's second victory at Augusta National in a matter of weeks.
Can Hideki Matsuysama Do The Double For Japan At Augusta National?
Japanese star, Hideki Matsuyama, produced a stunning round of 65 during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National.
The 29-year-old has a fantastic record at Augusta, producing six consecutive top-30 finishes.
Matsuyama, who finished as the leading amateur in 2011, managed five birdies and an eagle during his third round to sit four shots clear of nearest challengers Xander Schauffele, Justin Rose, Will Zalatoris and Marc Leishmann.
Matsuyama at the 2011 Masters. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images for Golf Week)
Although the 29-year-old will be looking for his first Major triumph, he will also be hoping to join fellow Japanese star, Tsubasa Kajitani, who claimed the Augusta National Women’s Amateur last week.
The 17-year-old, who was the youngest player to qualify for the top-30 at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, defeated American Emilia Migliaccio in a playoff to claim the biggest win of her life.
Kajitani managed to hole a five-foot-putt at the first playoff hole to win the title, saying afterwards: “I wasn’t expected to win this tournament and I was just really happy to be here. I can’t really describe it.”
Commenting on Kajitani’s victory, Matsuyama said: “I was playing last week in Texas so I didn’t get to see her victory, but it was fantastic, and I hope I can follow in her shoes and make Japan proud.”
With the famous win, Matsuyama now has the chance to claim Japan’s second victory in as many weeks at Augusta National.
Tavatanakit at the ANA Inspiration. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
It isn’t just Kajitani that has enjoyed a Major success this season. At the start of April, Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit claimed her first Major championship at the ANA Inspiration with rounds of 66 – 69 – 67 – 68 meaning a two-shot victory over Lydia Ko.
Matsuyama will now be aiming to replicate Kajitani and Tavatanakit’s success when he tees off at Augusta National on Sunday.
Related: The Masters Tee Times: Round Four
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