KUALA LUMPUR: A flawless three-under par 68 saw Kim Leun Kwang pull three shots clear of the pack at the halfway stage of the CIMB National Championship at TPC Kuala Lumpur (east course) on Wednesday.’
Starting from the 10th tee, the 23-year-old Kim made birdies on the fourth, 16th, 18th holes to take a giant step closer towards his dream of winning a first professional title and also a spot in next month’s CIMB Classic.
Overnight leader, Sukree Othman shot a 72 to fall into a tie for second place alongside Amir Nazrin Jailani (71), veteran R. Nachimuthu (71) and Kenneth De Silva, who produced the day’s best of 66 in the RM200,000 event.
Leun Kwang turned professional at the age of 17 and is keen to secure a career breakthrough at the event.
“It was good … my game was steady and I hit a lot of fairways and greens. It was totally different from yesterday where I made nine birdies but had a few hiccups. It was a different game today as I hit it good and made some good putts,” said Leun Kwang, who leads on seven-under-par 135.
“A win will mean the world but I don’t want to look that far ahead yet. I’ve played well on this course, finished third here two years in a local event. I just feel comfortable as the course fits my eye. I’ve led a few times this year and didn’t get it done. It’ll be important to just keep breathing and stay calm.”
Sukree, 42, traded three bogeys against four bogeys, including three over his closing four holes which left a bitter taste.
“It was a disappointing finish. I was quite steady until the last few holes and then I just hit some bad shots. I’m three back now, and it’ll be important to stay in it and not be too far behind going into the last day. I’ll work on my short game including my putting later as I missed a few putts,” said Sukree, who is aiming to qualify for his first CIMB Classic.