South Korean golfer Tom Kim has taken the lead in the men's individual event at the Asian Games, positioning himself for a gold medal that carries significant implications for his military service.
Kim, 24, shot a five-under 65 in the third round, including five birdies and an eagle, to move one stroke clear at 12 under par. He had started the day two shots behind the leader.
Able-bodied South Korean males are typically required to complete 18 to 21 months of military service before turning 28. However, a gold medal at the Asian Games, or any Olympic medal, grants an exemption, requiring only basic training of less than a month.
Kim's lead could have been larger, but he missed birdie putts on the 14th and 18th holes. He currently stands ahead of Taiwan's Wang Wei-hsuan and Japan's Kazuki Higa as the tournament heads into its final round.
The men's team event also offers a route to military exemption. South Korea is currently leading the men's team leaderboard by one stroke, with a gold in this event also exempting Tom Kim and teammate SH Kim.