Wilson 8-up in Japan PGA

Associated Press

MAEBARA, Japan — Former Kane'ohe resident Dean Wilson shot an even-par 71 yesterday to open a comfortable eight-stroke lead over Satoshi Higashi after the third round of the Japan PGA Championship.

Wilson, a Castle High graduate, now living in Orem, Utah, is seeking his first win of the season and second of his career in Japan. He carded three birdies and three bogeys in sunny weather to bring his total to 6-under 207 at the 7,002-yard, par-71 Queen's Hill Golf Club.

Higashi, in pursuit of his first win in six years, shot a 74 for a 215 as he sank one birdie against a bogey and a double bogey.

Taiwan's Hsieh Chin-sheng shot a 74 and edged up to third at 216, one stroke ahead of a group of five Japanese who are tied for fourth place.

Japanese veteran Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki ballooned to a 79, giving him a 224 total.