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Day 2
Day 1

December 5th 2009, Khon Kaen, Thailand: Chinese Taipei’s Chan Yih-shin produced a superb back nine performance to open up a two-stroke lead after the third round of the King’s Cup on Saturday.

Chan romped home in 32 en route to a five-under-par 67 to lead the US$300,000 Asian Tour event on 12-under-par 204. Scotsman Simon Yates charged into contention with an impressive 66 and was joined in second place by India’s Rahil Gangjee, who signed for a 68 at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club.

Englishman Nick Redfern and New Zealand’s Mark Purser are four strokes off the lead on 208 after rounds of 68 and 65 respectively. The King’s Cup, presented by Singha and Sports Authority of Thailand, is the final tournament of the Asian Tour season.

After holing a chip-in eagle from 95 yards on the par four fourth hole, the 32-year-old Chan increased his lead with a stunning 45-foot birdie putt on the 13th hole to give himself a huge boost in his hunt for a maiden Asian Tour title.

“Everything clicked for me on the back nine and that worked out nicely because I was able to stick to the game plan and remain in control,” said Chan, whose card included one eagle, five birdies and two bogeys.

“I will not be overconfident tomorrow and will just try to enjoy myself. I do not want to think of winning the title just yet but I will go out and try my best. I’ve got a good chance,” added Chan, whose best finish was a fifth place finish at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters this season.

Thai-based Yates turned in 36 but burst into life with a superb back nine performance, sprinkling his card with six birdies over a seven-hole stretch after the turn. “I wasn’t in contention after five holes but golf is a funny game, so you have to keep trying,” said Yates, one of the most successful international golfers on the Asian Tour with two career wins.

It was a welcome return to form for the Scotsman as a wrist injury kept him away from competitive action for nearly a year and he was delighted to be in contention at the King’s Cup, which is staged to commemorate the birthday of the King of Thailand.

“I used to give up too easily but now I just want to play my best and never give up. I’m changing my swing a little bit. I’m rotating my club more and it has been working great. It is good to be back and having a chance,” said Yates.

Gangjee, who won his maiden Asian Tour title in 2004, was beaming after returning a bogey-free card which included four birdies. A good performance this week has also eased his worries of keeping his Tour card where he is currently in 63rd place on the Order of Merit.

“I came in today feeling more confident and I have been hitting the ball and putting the ball very well. Two months ago I wasn’t scoring but now I’m beginning to score and that has been the difference,” said Gangjee, who needs to stay inside the top-65 to earn his full playing rights for next year.

“I didn’t expect to be in this position but I’m going to use the most of it. I’m not going to do anything different and just play my game one shot at a time,” said Gangjee.

Purser produced the round of the day, shooting five birdies and an eagle to move into contention. “It was an entirely different round for me and it all boiled down to my putting. I was a little tensed yesterday as I was thinking about holding it together because I didn’t know what the cut was going to be. Today was completely different, I was relaxed and played nicely,” said the Kiwi.