Gavin gets off to good start in hot Tamsui

PETALING JAYA: Gavin Kyle Green (pic) won’t stop chasing his maiden Asian Tour victory.

Two weeks after securing his third runner-up finish of the season – at the Shinhan Donghae Open – the 23-year-old charged into early contention after firing a five-under 67 to be in second spot at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in Tamsui, Taiwan yesterday.

Gavin responded to an early bogey on the third with six birdies – including four in six holes from the 10th – to trail Thailand’s Settee Prakongvech by just two shots.

The national No. 1 was clearly pleased with his efforts on a scorching day, which he described as “not normal”.

“It’s so hot out there. I don’t think it’s normal,” said Gavin, whose two other runner-up finishes were at the Indian Open (in March) and Yeangder Heritage (in Taiwan, in April).

“But everybody is playing in the same weather, so you just need to deal with it.

“There were a couple of holes that were so tough and you had to play on different fairways. That’s what I did but I made some putts that saved me. My putting was solid.”

Three other Malaysians also started well.

Queen’s Cup champion Nicholas Fung shot a two-under 72 to be in a 12-way tie for 11th, while 2015 winner Danny Chia and Ben Leong are a further stroke adrift in joint 23rd.