India’s Rashid Khan took the halfway lead at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters yesterday with a two-under-par 70, staying one shot ahead of overnight leader Danny Chia of Malaysia.
Khan, a two-time Asian Tour winner, carded a six-under-par 138 total after the second round at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club’s Tamsui course in New Taipei City. The 24-year-old had a rough start on the blustery day with a double-bogey on the first hole, but was able to rally with six birdies to claim the lead.
“I kept the ball in play on the back nine and I am happy with where I stand, given the tough conditions out there,” Khan said.
“Overall, I feel confident with my game, but my short game just wasn’t as good today,” he added.
Chia, the highest-ranked Malaysian on the Official World Golf Rankings, fell to second place after a mixed performance with a pair of birdies and two bogeys.
“It was really windy out there,” said the 43-year-old. Filipino Antonio Lascuna, 44, who tied for second last year, edged ahead to cap off the day in third along with four others, including local favorite Pan Cheng-tsung, who carded a 72 for one-under 143.
Pan’s compatriots Lin Wen-tang, Yeh Wei-tze and Chan Yih-shing have a share of eighth at even-par 144.
“If I can play like how I did last year, I should have a chance to win this week,” said Lascuna, who came close to winning his maiden Asian Tour title on three occasions last season.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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