Leun Kwang closes in on CIMB Classic ticket after bogey-free round

KUALA LUMPUR: Golfer Kim Leun Kwang has not won a title since turning professional in 2013.

But the 23-year-old could be on his way to secure not only his career breakthrough but also a chance to rub shoulders with the US PGA Tour pros after seizing the pole position at the halfway stage of the CIMB National Championship.

Yesterday, Leun Kwang carded a bogeyfree three-under 68 to pull three shots clear of the chasing pack at the TPC Kuala Lumpur.

He birdied at the fourth, 16th and 18th holes to finish on a seven-under 135 total.

Kenneth De Silva bounced back from his poor opening 72, firing six birdies against one bogey for a 66 to climb 13 spots for a joint-second spot on four-under 138.

Joining Kenneth at three shots off the pace were Amir Nazrin Jailani (71), R. Nachimuthu (71) and overnight leader Sukree Othman (72).

A win tomorrow will land Leun Kwang a RM30,000 jackpot as well as the ticket to the US$7mil (RM29mil) CIMB Classic at the same venue from Oct 11-14.

He did not want to get carried away as he

had two more tricky rounds to deal with.

“A win will mean the world but I don’t want to look that far ahead yet,” said Leun Kwang.

“I’ve played well on this course, finished third here two years ago in a local event (PGM Players Championship). I just feel comfortable here.”

The 27-year-old Kenneth, a two-time PGM Tour winner, was delighted with how he responded to his dismal opening effort.

“I’m obviously happy with how I played as I’m now back in the tournament,” said Kenneth, who finished second behind Ben Leong three years ago.

“Getting into the CIMB Classic – that’s my dream. This is the fastest route to play with the PGA Tour stars.”