Korea’s Dongha Lee will enjoy a two-shot advantage going into the weekend rounds after he posted a three-under-par 68 to take the second round lead at 37th GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship on Friday.
Overnight leader Ajeetesh Sandhu of India slipped to a share of second place with Korea’s Heungchol Joo after he signed for a 71 at the Namseoul Country Club which is welcoming players from the Asian Tour back for the first time since 2009.
Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond took outright fourth place following a 70 while India’s Shiv Kapur is tied for fifth together with Korea’s Dongmin Kim, Sanghyun Park and Dongseop Maeng at the KR₩1,000,000,000 (approx. US$925,000) event.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and S.Chikkarangappa are ready to break the Korean stronghold as they moved inside the top-10 by carding matching 70s to share ninth place with K.T. Kim, Sunghyun Oh and J.B Park of Korea.
New father Lee, who welcomed the birth of his daughter in February, is hoping to bring more joy home as he chases his first Asian Tour victory after snatching pole position with his two-day total of six-under-par 136.
Lee went out in 32 after mixing two birdies, one eagle and a bogey in his back-nine 10. He dropped another shot on four but recovered swiftly with another birdie at the next par-four five. Another bogey on seven saw him lose ground momentarily as he would birdie his closing hole on nine to emerge top of the pack.
Playing under gusty conditions, Sandhu was pleased to have passed the severe test of skill and patience to remain as one of the frontrunners at the 37th GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship.
Jazz is also delighted with his performance which has put him in the mix.
Having played only one practice round earlier in the week, the Thai is beginning to familiarise himself well with the course and is thankful of the partnership he has struck well with his caddie, Nick Pugh.
The weekend cut was set at six-over with 79 players progressing to the final two rounds.
Players’ Quotes
Dongha Lee (Kor) Second round 68 (-3), Total 136 (-6)
I’m very pleased with how I’ve played considering I had back spasms since this morning and it was affecting my play. My highlight of my day was definitely the eagle on 14. I used a three-wood for my tee shot. The second shot landed at the edge of the green and I was very lucky to sink that putt from about 10 feet. I believe we are expecting strong winds this weekend and the key would be to stay patient and adapted my shots according to the wind directions. I’m not staying at home this week and I miss my new-born daughter. I do video calls with my wife and daughter every day but I really want to see her in person. This is the first time I’m away from home for so long and I hope to bring more joy home with a good result this week.
Ajeetesh Sandhu (Ind) Second round 71 (Even), Total 138 (-4)
It was a lot tougher today with the swirling winds and I felt it was really difficult out there. At least the winds died down after the thunderstorms yesterday. But today, they were everywhere which made it tough to hit a shot. But the good thing is I’m playing well and anytime you’re close to the lead, you know you have a chance of doing well. I’m happy with where I’m now.
Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) Second round 70 (-1) Total 139 (-3)
It’s good to be heading into the weekend rounds in a good position. But I have to say it was a very tough round again. Although it was not raining like yesterday, it was very windy and it was tough to get around the golf course. The constant winds and gust just change direction so often and the greens are fast. I believe the course conditions are going to be even tougher over the weekend and the greens are really going to be rolling very fast. I have a good relationship with my caddie, Nick and we bounce lots of ideas off each other. I’m not going to change much of strategy. We talk a lot and if there’s anything that needs to be fixed, he’ll tell. But right now, we are good.
Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) Second round 70 (-1), Total 142 (Even)
It feels good to know we are in a good positions at this event. This is not an easy golf course but all four of us are playing well and we all have a good chance on the weekend. It has not be easy the last two days. Yesterday it was really cold when I teed off in the morning. Then in the middle of the day, the winds picked up and today it was windy from tee one to 18. But I’ve been hitting the ball really well and gave myself lots of chances on the greens. I converted a few and missed a few as well. But overall, it was a decent round of golf today. It really depends on the pin positions for this weekend. If they put the flags especially on the corner, it’s going to be tricky.
