American Kim takes 8-point lead at mixed event

Pattaya: American Sihwan Kim got on the birdie bullet train once again yesterday at the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Stableford Challenge to take the third-round lead on 42 points at Siam Country Club.

Overnight leader Chanettee Wannasaen of Thailand, her compatriot Natipong Srithong and Maja Stark from Sweden were second with 34 points, while local star Budsabakorn Sukapan was fifth with 33.

The innovative new US$750,000 tournament is being jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Ladies European Tour (LET).

Current Asian Tour No.1 Kim carded an 11-under-par 61 — a remarkable round which was redemption for a very disappointing second-round 76, that had followed his stunning 62 which saw him take the first-round lead.

Kim, who won the International Series Thailand last month, destroyed the course yesterday with an astonishing 11 birdies for 22 points.

“I must be…