Amir shows he’s top 10 material with solid display in Taiwan

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Amir Nazrin Jailani put on a solid performance to set himself up for a top 10 finish at the Taifong Open golf championship in Taiwan.

The 22-year-old shot a three-under 69 in the third round at the Taifong Golf Club in Changhua yesterday to finish tied 18th on an even-par 216.

Amir mixed an eagle, three birdies and two bogeys to improve on his overnight position by 17 rungs.

It was a tremendous effort, considering Amir started the first round in 78th spot after opening with an uninspiring 76.

He bounced back with a second round 71 to make the cut in a tie for 35th place.

Amir will head into the final round nine shots adrift of leader Donlaphatchai Niyomchon of Thailand and five shots off the top 10 position.

Amir was left to carry Malaysia’s challenge alone in the tournament jointly sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT) and Taiwan PGA (TPGA) Tour after compatriots Kim Leun Kwang, Daeng Abdul Rahman Abdul Aziz, Brandon Lau and Woon U-Minn failed to make the cut on Friday.

Amir will be aiming to end his ADT season with a flourish by securing his fifth top 10 finish of the season.

His best outing was a fourth placing at the PGM Maybank ADT Championship at the Saujana Golf and Country Club last month.

Amir is currently the second best-placed Malaysian in the ADT Order of Merit standings at 21st spot, after 13th-placed Leun Kwang.

Amir, who turned professional only two years ago, is playing in only his second full season on the ADT, which serves as the gateway to the Asian Tour.