GAVIN RIDES THE WIND TO SHARE LEAD WITH PAGUNSAN
M’sian shares lead with Pagunsan
PETALING JAYA: Gavin Kyle Green overcame the swirling wind to grab a share of the halfway lead with a two-under 70 at the weather-disrupted US$800,000 (RM3.39mil) Mercuries Taiwan Masters.
The 23-year-old had to overcome a bogey on the third hole for the second day running before carding three birdies to be tied at the top with former Asian Tour No. 1 Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines on seven-under 137 at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club yesterday.
Overnight leader Settee Prakongvech could only manage a 73 to be one shot back in third while Brazil’s Adilson Da Silva impressed with 68 to be placed fourth on 139.
Ben Leong also did well in the challenging conditions, posting a 69 to join a three-way tie for fifth with Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai and Danthai Boonma on four-under 140 total.
The tournament was suspended for an hour and 35 minutes due to lightning at 7.10am and this resulted in play having to be stopped later due to darkness.
A total of 24 players have yet to complete their rounds.
Gavin heaved a huge sigh or relief after surviving a brutal day to stay on course for his maiden Asian Tour win.
“It was a little bit tough. The wind was up and swirling,” he said.
“I made a couple of birdies and tried to stay patient but lost my cool in the middle of the round.
“Still, I managed to close out with a birdie and par. So that was good.
The 30-year-old Ben, who is chasing his first Asian Tour title since winning the 2008 Selangor Masters, sizzled with four birdies but was denied a flawless round with a blemish on the 18th.
“I’m just happy to make the weekend. It exceeded my expectations, given the tough course and the cut-off mark of only the top 50.”