KUALA LUMPUR: Former Sea Games gold medallist Marcus Lim put himself in contention for a sensational win in his first start as a professional after firing a four-under 66 today to sit just two shots off the lead at the halfway stage of the PKNS Selangor Masters.
Marcus, who just turned professional last week, mixed six birdies with two bogeys to reach the 36-hole mark at six-under 134, two strokes behind two-time Asian Tour winner Rahil Gangjee of India, who also posted a 66.
Thailand's Kosuke Hamamoto, the Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games individual gold medallist, impressed at Seri Selangor Golf Club by carding a 66 to sit in lone third at 136.
Compatriots Sarun Sirithon (67) and Sarut Vongchaisit (68), along with Singapore's James Leow (69), were tied for fourth, two shots further back.
Shahriffuddin Ariffin, the 2022 winner, and Amir Nazrin Jailani posted scores of 70 and 72 respectively, ensuring a strong local presence in the top 10, sharing the seventh spot at 139.
Marcus was delighted with how the day unfolded on the very demanding course.
Despite his strong performance, Marcus is keeping his feet firmly on the ground, knowing that there's still plenty of golf left to be played.
"This is my first pro event and my first cut made. I'm just happy with the way I played. I'm going to stick to the same game plan, stay patient, and not rush things," said Marcus.
"The course is challenging and if you go too aggressive, it can punish you. I hope to continue making putts.
"I realised how hard the course was because they made it a par-70. My goal was to shoot one-under on every nine, and I accomplished that. I shot three-under on the back nine today, so I was lucky. If I can double the six, making it 12, I think it would be a really good week."
The 45-year-old Rahil is eager to turn the halfway stage lead into a victory he's been longing for.
The last time he won was at the 2018 Panasonic Open in Japan.
"You want to win every year, no doubt about that, but sometimes it doesn't happen for various reasons. I've had a couple of injuries in the last few years — one in 2021 and another two months ago. I'm just glad to be playing golf the way I am. I have no massive expectations right now," said Rahil.
"There's no pressure to win, but the expectations are always there. I try to draw on my experience to relax and play golf. I know that if I do that, the results will take care of themselves, and winning will be a byproduct."
Local stars Ervin Chang and Galven Green as well as veterans Danny Chia and Nicholas Fung have all missed the cut.