The blazing finish saw Kim, the highest-ranked Asian Tour player in the field, sign for a bogey-free seven-under-par 64 and a 12-under-par 130 total to match the efforts of Jazz, who posted a 66, at the highly-rated Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

Starting the round with a three-shot deficit, Kim nailed three birdies to turn in 32 before sinking four consecutive birdies from the sixth to grab a share of the lead at the US$300,000 event, which is celebrating its 10th straight edition on the Asian Tour.

Jazz, who trailed by one following an opening 64, extended his bogey-free run to 29 holes before dropping a lone bogey on the par-four third hole. He eventually gained it back with a birdie on his closing ninth hole.

Overnight leader Poom Saksansin of Thailand battled to a 70 to share third place with countryman Sattaya Supupramai (66), Filipino hotshot Miguel Tabuena (66) and Indian talent Gaganjeet Bhullar (65) on matching 133s.

The halfway cut was set at two-under-par 140 with a total of 76 players, including two local amateurs, progressing to the weekend rounds.

The Queen’s Cup, held in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, welcomed a new presenting sponsor in Bangchak Corporation, one of Thailand’s leading energy companies, this season.