Tom Kim charges into lead in bid to avoid military service

NAGOYA: Tom Kim leads the third-round men's golf at the Asian Games on Friday, chasing a gold medal to avoid military service in South Korea. Starting two shots behind the leader, Kim's brilliant five-under 65, featuring five birdies and an eagle, pushed him to 12-under par, one stroke ahead of the pack. The world number 32, who missed crucial birdie putts on the 14th and 18th, could have led by more.

Korea's military requires able-bodied males to serve between 18 months and two years before the age of 28, but a gold or medal of any color from the Asian Games or Olympics exempts them. Kim traveled from the Presidents Cup in the United States to Japan, dealing with a long journey, only six hours of sleep, and a 14-hour time difference, only to compete in golf.

A gold medal would enable Kim to continue his promising career, having already won the Asian Tour order of merit and four PGA Tour titles. South Korea currently leads the men's team event by one stroke after three rounds, while India's Pranavi Urs leads the women's competition into the final round with a three-shot lead.