Shah Alam [SELANGOR]: Rookie sensation Gavin Kyle Green of Malaysia fired a three-under-par 69 to open up a five-shot lead after moving day at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Northport Glenmarie Championship on Friday.

The 21-year-old, who turned professional in June, totalled 16-under-par 200 to lead over an in-form Casey O’Toole, who shot a 65, and Blake Snyder (67) of the United States at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

Airil Rizman and Lam Chih Bing of Singapore were a further shot back in tied fourth place following rounds of 67 and 72 at the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Gavin, who finished his second round on Friday morning with a remarkable 64, continued his surge up the leaderboard thanks to his big hitting game where he birdied all the par-fives.

“I hit it pretty good but I didn’t make any putts. It could have been a lot lower if I didn’t miss the short putts. I’m still going to play aggressive on the final day. I won’t hold back. I will try and shoot the low round of the day,” said Gavin.

He is beginning to reap the benefits of working with new coach Chris O’Connell, who is also the coach for Matt Kuchar.

“I’m still working on my swing. It is not 100% there yet. It still needs a lot of work but the swing is better now. The mechanics are a lot more stable in the swing now,” he added.

Leading third round scores (Par-72) >
Malaysian unless stated
200 – Gavin Kyle Green 67-64-69
205 – Casey O’Toole (USA) 70-70-65, Blake Snyder (USA) 70-68-67
206 – Airil Rizman Zahari 69-70-67, Lam Chih Bing (SIN) 70-64-72
208 – Sukree Othman 67-71-70
209 – Nirun Sae-Ueng (THA) 73-70-66,Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA) 71-71-67, Nicholas Fung 67-71-71, Jordan Irawan (INA) 66-72-71
210 – Sutijet Kooratanapisan (THA) 70-70-70, Smithi Teeratrakul (THA) 66-74-70