Chan, Khan set up thrilling final day in Taiwan

Chan, Khan set up thrilling final day in Taiwan

Tamsui: Taiwan's Chan Shih-chang moved a step closer to winning an Asian Tour event on home soil for the first time when he took a share of the lead along with India's Rashid Khan after the third round of the US$1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters yesterday.

Four-time Asian Tour winner Chan carded a three-under-par 69 to reach 11 under for the tournament and catch overnight leader Khan, who fired a 73.

Thailand's Sarit Suwannarut and Siddikur Rahman from Bangladesh are tied for third, three shots back after scoring 68 and 69 respectively, at Taiwan Golf and Country Club.

Two of Chan's victories have come in the last 10 months, and the kind of form that saw him win those titles was on display again yesterday. He nailed five birdies and made two bogeys; the last of those dropped shots came on 14, which prompted the best possible reaction as he made his final two birdies on the next two holes.

"I played good overall today," said Chan. "My target was to shoot 68 actually, but still happy with a 69. I made a few good birdies out there, like the four footer on 15. I can't wait to go out tomorrow. I will show them what I got!"

Khan had started the day with a four-shot lead having returned a 65 on day two and while he will have been disappointed to card a 73, that would have been tempered by the fact that he is still in the lead and in with a chance of his first win on the Asian Tour in eight years.

He struggled on the outward nine unable to make birdies and dropped a shot on seven to make the turn in one over, and when he made bogey on 10 it appeared the chasing pack would overwhelm him.

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