|
 Iwata was only one stroke behind leader Graeme McDowell at the
prestigious event, and the Northern Irishman readily admitted he had
never even heard of his closest pursuer.
"Nothing," McDowell told reporters when asked what he knew of Iwata.
"No disrespect, but genuinely never heard of him. I saw him make one
swing today and it looked like a beautiful swing (so) I'm looking
forward to seeing what it's all about tomorrow."
Iwata, 33, is a late bloomer, who this July notched his first
victory on the Japan Tour at the Fujisankei Classic. He is third on
that tour's money list.
 This is his first WGC event but he has looked far from out of his
depth with three impressive rounds, and a birdie from off the green
at the par-five 18th on Saturday lifted him into second place after
a four-under 68 at Sheshan.
His 10-under total is good enough to see him wedged between leader
McDowell and third-placed pair Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson.
Iwata said he felt calm, but that might change on Sunday if the
world number 127 had a chance at what would be a life-changing
victory.
[to top of second column] |
"I'm relatively short-tempered," he said. "I'm pretty famous for
that in Japan, so I always try to focus on not getting too angry at
myself.
"I'm doing that pretty well at the moment, so I just want to keep
that going."
(Editing by John O'Brien)
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