Rising South Korean star Noh Seung-yul blasted his second straight five-under-par 66 to take sole possession of the halfway lead at the Midea China Classic yesterday.
The 17-year-old took a two-stroke lead over Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris on day two of the US$500,000 Asian Tour event with a 10-under-par 132 total.
Malaysia’s S. Siva Chandhran is tied for third together with eight other players, including Taiwan’s Hsu Mong-nan and Chen Yuan-chi all on matching 135s. Chen led after the first day thanks to a round of 65 but went round in 70 yesterday.
Noh, who already has three runner-up finishes in his rookie year on the Asian Tour, enjoyed a blemish-free round that was highlighted by five birdies.
“My tee shots and putts went really well for me today and I’m hoping to continue this fine form,” said the teenager, who has his father carrying his bag at the Royal Orchid International Golf Club this week.
“Playing with the more experienced players on the Asian Tour has really made me a better player. I believe that the opportunities and exposure that the Tour has given me has really help me to develop my game,” Noh said.
Pilkadaris had to overcome a nervous scare on his homeward run when he hit two successive bogeys on the 13th and 14th.
The Australian, however managed to regain his composure and made up for the bogeys with two successive birdies at the 17th and 18th.
“It was really frustrating to drop those two shots at 13th and 14th. But when I was at the 17th hole, I realized that I was only a few shots behind the leader. I was so fired up that I birdied my last two holes,” the 34-year-old said.
Chandhran, who started the day in tied sixth place, reeled in two successive birdies in his opening front-nine for a much-needed morale boost.
The Malaysian went on to record another five birdies, but spoiled his card with a double bogey on the par four 13th, and two other successive bogeys on the fifth and sixth.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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