13 January 2024 , 15:24
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Carl Yuan is taking full advantage of his boost in the FedEx Cup rankings thanks to Jon Rahm's LIV Golf switch, with the 26-year-old tied for the lead at this week's Sony Open.
Rahm became the latest big name to join the LIV setup last month, signing a deal worth a reported £450million to join Greg Norman and co. In doing so though the Masters champion gave up his playing rights on the PGA Tour, after being banned from the American-based circuit.
The Spaniard's suspension saw him removed from the 2023 FedEx Cup standings, which led to the rest of his fellow player moving up one spot in the season-long rankings.
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While it made little difference to the majority, one man who benefited from the reshuffle was Yuan. Those who sat in the top-125 of the rankings retained their playing rights for 2024. Sadly for the Chinese Olympian, he was the unlucky star who ended the year in 126th - until Rahm's departure.
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The marquee LIV switch saw Yuan jump into the top 125, thus earning him full playing status for the current campaign. This allowed the 26-year-old to compete at this week's Sony Open in Hawaii, and after the opening two rounds it has been so far so good.
Yuan currently sits in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard on nine-under-par. After an opening round four-under-par 66 in Thursday's opening round, the 26-year-old when one better a day later, carding six birdies and a bogey to shoot a Friday 65.
Carl Yuan currently sits in a tie for the lead at the Sony Open (Getty Images)Detailing what it was like to be given a lifeline for the 2024 campaign, Yuan said on Friday: “I was very thrilled. It gives me another chance to improve and get better. Luckily I got full status, but I’m still trying to do the same thing and come out here and play the best I can."
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, the Chinese star is hoping to shake off the label of the Tour's last minute addition, and instead make a name for himself thanks to his game. "Hopefully I have my score and performance will kind of cover that part," he added.
"Yeah, I mean, just looking forward to another year on Tour. With all the learning experience from my rookie year definitely feel like I'm more prepared for being out here." The 26-year-old is currently tied alongside South Korea's An Byeong-hun and Austin Eckroat of the USA at the top of the Sony leaderboard.
On the back of his rookie year on the PGA Tour in 2023, Yuan is yet to get himself into the circuit's winners' circle, but has his best opportunity yet this weekend. The world No. 185 will head out alongside Byeong-hun and Eckroat in Saturday's third round at Waiʻalae Country Club.