King’s Cup: Anirban steady at 7

January 18, 2014: On a day which saw quite a few ups and downs, India’s Anirban Lahiri shot a round of 71 to remain in contention in the third round of  the King’s Cup at Huahin. While, Rahil Gangjee followed his third consecutive round with a 71 to be tied 10th at Black Mountain Golf Club.

The steady game of Philipino Angelo Que brought him at the top of the leaderboard with eight under for a while. However, Mo Joong Kyung of Korea usurped his top place with one shot lead with a three round total of 207( 69-68-70).

The two round joint leader, Prom Meesawat of Thailand slowed down on his home turf on Saturday with a round of 72 to remain in joint tie with Que, one shot behind leader.

Swede Rikard Karlberg’s disappointing double bogey on 11th hole pushed him down the leaderboard as he finished the third round with 74.

There ‘s more at stake for three-time winner on the Asian Tour on this occasion. First that Lahiri is yet to win a tournament outside his home country.

Fifth on the Order of Merit on the Asian Tour, Lahiri’s season haul of US$465,696 has put him in contention to qualify for the Asian Team for the inaugural EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM which will be played in Malaysia this March.

Since 7th ranked Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea is not in contention, if eight ranked Prom emerges victorious, Lahiri must secure at least a top-25 result to qualify for the EurAsia Cup.

“It is really special because it is going to be like the Ryder Cup for Asians. We’ve always wondered how that would feel. If I play well this week, then it will get me into the team,” Lahiri had said earlier.

But he seems to be aiming higher. One more day to go and if Indian can put his best foot forward, he can almost  enusre his berth in  Eurasia Cup team.