KAWANISHI, Hyogo Pref. (Kyodo) Australian Paul Sheehan birdied his final two holes to hold on to his share of the overnight lead with tour veteran Naomichi "Joe" Ozaki heading into the final round of the Tsuruya Open on Saturday.

Sheehan and the 48-year-old Ozaki both had 4-under-par 67s at Yamanohara Golf Club for a three-day total of 10-under 203, three shots clear of Craig Jones and Toyokazu Fujishima.

Sheehan is bidding to become the second Australian in as many years to win this tournament after Brendan Jones claimed victory in 2004.

Fukushima one up

ITO, Shizuoka Pref. (Kyodo) Overnight co-leader Akiko Fukushima wielded a hot putter on the back nine to card a 4-under-par 68 and move one shot clear of the field after the second round of the Fujisankei Ladies Classic on Saturday.

The U.S. LPGA tour player made four birdies through seven holes on her inward journey before bogeying the 18th on the Kawana Hotel's Fuji Course to establish a one-stroke lead over Kaori Higo on 6-under 138.

Higo took sole possession of second with six birdies in a bogey-free round off 66 while reigning money queen Yuri Fudo dropped out of a share of the lead into third on 141 with Miho Koga (69) after a 71 that featured an eagle, a birdie and two bogeys.