Tired Gavin stays in contention for maiden European Tour title

GAVIN Kyle Green overcame fatigue by carding a three-under 69 to advance into the weekend rounds of the Maybank Championship.

The 24-year-old stayed very much in contention for his maiden European Tour victory after trading six birdies against three bogeys for a two-day total of seven-under 137 at the Saujana Golf and Country Club yesterday.

The Asian Tour No. 1 sits four shots off the pace in joint 25th spot.

Gavin admitted that playing for the fourth straight week was taking its toll on him.

“Fatigue might be kicking in a little bit,” said Gavin, who also played in the EurAsia Cup, the Singapore Open and the Dubai Desert Classic prior to the home tournament.

“It’s good that I finished 36 holes early today because I can now rest and hang out with my brother (Galven Kendall, who flew back from the United States to play in the tournament).

“It’s the third straight cut I’ve made so far this season, so I can’t complain.

“It’s also always nice to be within striking distance with two more rounds to go, as anything can happen.”

The other three local survivors are Amir Nazrin Jailani, Ben Leong and Nicholas Fung.

Amir is certainly making his presence felt in his debut.

The 20-year-old posted an impressive 68 to finish in a 14-way tie for 37th on six-under 138 after carding five birdies against a lone bogey.

Amir, who only turned professional 14 months ago, was on cloud nine following the impressive feat.

“I’m amazed that I’ve done this,” said Amir, who qualified for the tournament by virtue of being a top- 10 finisher at last season’s PGM Tour Order of Merit.

“This is my biggest tournament as a professional. I tried not to feel overwhelmed.

“I hope to carry this positive momentum into the weekend and try to finish as strongly as possible.”

Ben, who finished tied 12th last year, was joint 51st on five-under following a 70 while Nicholas finished just a shot above the four-under cut, after adding an improved 69 to his opening 71 for 140 total.

Former national No. 1 Danny Chia was among 11 Malaysians who failed to make the cut.