Shin Tops the Leaderboard at Mizuno National Golf Championship

Barrie, Ont. (August 22, 2007) – Mother nature finally cooperated in the third round of The Canadian Junior Golf Association’s (CJGA) annual Mizuno CJGA National Golf Championship presented by HSBC Bank Canada. Favourable weather in this third day of stroke play allowed the strong international field of juniors to post some impressive scores. The low round of the day was recorded by 15 year-old Justin Shin of Toronto, Ont.

Shin, who entered the third round tied for first place, has now climbed to the top of the leaderboard in the Boys 14-16 Division after a third round of 69 (-3). Added to his previous rounds of 77 (+5) and 78 (+6), Shin now sits in first place with a three-day total of 224 (+8). “I knew I had to work on my putting after yesterday’s round,” commented Shin. “I putted very well because I was prepared for the tricky greens.” A third round of 73 (+1) moves Jonathan Kim-Moss, 16, of Mississauga, Ont., into second place with a three-day total of 228 (+12). Tied with Kim-Moss for second place is 16 year-old Russell Budd of Toronto, Ont. who recorded a third round of 74 (+2). Sitting in a close fourth place is North York, Ont. resident Richard Jung, 14, with a three-day total of 231 (+15).

2005 Mizuno National Championship winner, Ryan Corbin, 19, of Niagara Falls, Ont., continues to lead the Boys 17-19 Division after posting rounds of 74-77-73 for a three-day total 224 (+8). “I played pretty decent today,” said Corbin. “I’m hoping to keep my consistency throughout the last round tomorrow.” Currently in second place is Alex Dumais, 17, of Caledon East, Ont., who’s third round of 73 (+1) gives him a three-day total of 230 (+14). Whitby, Ontario’s Michael Ayotte, 17, posted a 78 (+6) to secure third place.

Lucas Kim, 13, of Toronto, Ont. is one step closer to defending his 2006 National Championship title in the Boys 13 & Under Division after posting 78 (+5) in the third round. Kim, who currently has six CJGA victories under his belt this season, now stands in first place with a three-day total of 234 (+18). “I had a lot of great approach shots on the front nine today,” explained Kim. “I need to hit some more greens tomorrow.” CJGA Team Canada member Kristopher Kowalchuk, 13, of Burlington, Ont., is only one stroke behind with a round of 79 (+7), holding on to second place with a three-day total of 235 (+19). Moving into third place, carding an 86 (+14), was 13 year-old Truman Tai of Markham, Ont.

Consistent rounds of 76-72-75, allowed 17 year-old Natalia Ghilzon, of Windsor, Ont. to remain atop the leaderboard in the Girls Division with a three-day total of 223 (+7). “I hit some good tee shots but struggled with my irons,” admitted Ghilzon. “I need to hit more greens tomorrow.” The lead changed hands throughout the third round between Ghilzon and Brittany Henderson, 16, of Smith Falls, Ont., who currently sits in second place. Henderson, who is the two-time defending champion, posted a third round of 76 (+4), to secure second place and sit only four strokes back. Hayley Brown, 15, of Newmarket, Ont. grabbed third place with a three-day total of 229 (+13).

Tee-times for the event will get underway at 7:22 a.m. for the final round of the event, held Thursday, August, 23rd. As always, spectators are welcome to attend.

About Mizuno
Mizuno has built a reputation for producing the best forged irons in the industry. Mizuno's popular line of MP irons has become the choice of many top players in golf and the PGA Tour. Mizuno has established a reputation in the game improvement area with the success of the MX series of irons. The company is also very well known for their wedges, woods, putters, bags and accessories.  For additional information please visit www.mizunocda.com.

About the CJGA
Registered federally as a not-for-profit association, the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) is dedicated to providing Canada's junior golfers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to lay a foundation for a future in competitive golf. Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA Tour professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf. For more information please visit www.cjga.com.

The Canadian Junior Golf Association is generously supported by its National Founding Partners, HSBC Bank Canada and LEXUS.

For Additional Information:
Carolyn Arbuckle
Communications Assistant
Canadian Junior Golf Association
1.877.508.1069 Ext. 228
carolyn.arbuckle@cjga.com

Rick Betts
Director, Media Relations and Communications
Canadian Junior Golf Association
1.877.508.1069 Ext. 233
rick.betts@cjga.com