Danny takes charge with strong finish

PETALING JAYA: Veteran Danny Chia brilliantly birdied four of his last five holes for a 2 under 70 to snatch a one-shot halfway lead at the CIMB National Championship at TPC Kuala Lumpur today.
The 44-year-old Danny, who is a two-time Asian Tour winner, overcame an outward 38 with his strong finish to put himself in prime position to win the RM200,000 event which rewards the winner with a spot in the prestigious CIMB Classic, the only PGA TOUR event staged in Southeast Asia, in October.
Mohd Sukree Othman carded the day's best of 69 to trail in second place while Wilson Choo and rookie professional Amir Nazrin Jailani were a further shot back following identical rounds of 71s. The three players are chasing a first appearance in the US$7 million (RM30 million) CIMB Classic at TPC KL from Oct 12 to 15.
Ben Leong, who held an overnight three-shot lead, had a day to forget as he struggled to a 76 which included one double bogey and two bogeys.
He will enter the last two rounds three shots behind Chia while a battling 70 saw defending champion Gavin Green move into a share of sixth place, four behind the new leader.
Danny, who has appeared in the CIMB Classic on five occasions, holds the halfway lead with his two day total of 6-under 138. He is aiming to win the qualifying event for a third time following his success in 2012 and 2014. The CIMB National Championship 2017 winner will also earn RM30,000.
"It was almost the same as yesterday, just missing a few putts. I can't seem to read the lines this week. I missed a few on the lip and at other times I'm seeing the opposite lines," Danny said
"They are really subtle changes, left inside becomes right inside lines. I also hit a lot of good shots and wasn't rewarded for them. Hit some good shots on the par fives but had some bad bounces. However, I'm still very happy as in my last five holes, I made four birdies to sign for a 70."
Bidding for a first appearance in the CIMB Classic, Mohd Sukree shot five birdies and two bogeys. His birdies where on the first, eight, ninth, 17th and 18th holes, with the longest putt being on the ninth green from 15 feet.
"It was kind of on-off for me ... I'm happy with my position going into the last two rounds. It's an important week as the winner gets into the CIMB Classic. I've tried to qualify previously but I haven't come as close as this week. I'll keep trying hard. With this tournament being played over four days, I'll have a better chance. I think I'll need to aim for some low rounds over the next two days to give myself a chance," Mohd Sukre said.