体坛英语新闻：Chinese Xiao seizes the lead at Asian Golf Championship

XIAMEN, China, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Local prospect Xiao Bowen tamed the windy conditions to sign for a commendable five-under-par 67 and grab a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Asian Golf Championship here on Friday.

The 27-year-old Xiao, making his debut on the Asian Tour this week, took advantage of a solid front nine 32, highlighted by one eagle and two birdies, to sit atop the leader board on six-under-par 138 at the Kaikou Golf Club's West course.

Namchok Tantipokhakul of Thailand took the second place, following a battling 71 at the US$350,000 event, co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the China Golf Association (CGA) in China for the first time in nine years.

Australian Marcus Both, two-time Asian Tour winner, sits three shots off the pace in third following a bogey-free 69. Both, relishing the challenges of the golf course, credited his good performance to his accurate drives and approach shots.

Singapore's Quincy Quek snatched the limelight when he aced the par-three 17th hole with a seven-iron from 174 yards.