Incheon: Thailand's Thitiphun Chuayprakong broke the Korean stronghold when he fired a sizzling seven-under-par 64 to snatch the second round lead at the US$1 million Shinhan Donghae Open yesterday.
Thitiphun, who burst into prominence after his maiden Asian Tour win in Bangladesh earlier this year, continued to impress by making his move with his two-day total of 11-under 131 at the Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club.
Defending champion An Byeong-Hun kept himself in contention by carding a 67 to share second place with compatriot Kim Tae-Woo in the event, which is seeing the return of the Asian Tour as its new sanctioning partner along with the Korean PGA.
Qualifying School graduate Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe also made his presence felt at the Korean showpiece with a 64 for a tied-fourth place with New Zealand's Danny Lee, who returned with a 65.
India's Gaganjeet Bhullar spearheaded the Indian charge with a 66 to take a share of sixth place with Australia's Michael Wright.
Thitiphun showed why he is becoming one of the revelations of the season when he put in another commanding performance at the Open, which last featured on the Asian Tour schedule in 2002
"My tee shots were good and that made things a lot easier," said Thitiphun.
"I believe I've a good chance this week. But there are still two more rounds to go and I don't really want to put too much pressure on myself yet," added the Thai.
Thitiphun made up for the disappointment of missing out on his Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School in January by claiming his breakthrough in Bangladesh before going on to make his major debut at the US Open in June.
"I've gained more confidence from playing in the US Open and I've been working hard on my short game, which is really important this week," said Thitiphun.
Thitiphun will face stiff opposition from An, who, as the week's highest ranked player, is confident of putting up a strong title defence especially on familiar a ground.
"Overall it was alright," said the world No.38 An, adding: "It was not as good as yesterday but it's still alright.
"There are a couple of holes on this course which suit my eyes.
"The greens are rolling nicely and the fairways are in good condition. Everything is clicking nicely and that's why I'm playing well."
While much of the attention is on the top ranked players like An, Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Australian Order of Merit leader Scott Hend, Vincent was happy his anonymity has played a significant role in his good showing this week.
The Zimbabwean rookie Vincent said: "It's nice coming here where no one really knows who you are and you have no expectations. I'm just playing my own game and so far it has been great.
"If I keep this up, hopefully I'll move in the same directions as those top guys."
Bhullar was meanwhile pleased with his good form which he felt could not have come at a better time.
"I was in the tournament winner's category for the last six years and it's important to get back into the winner's circle again," he said.
"You go through ups and downs in golf. I've been working hard on my game and I'm hopeful for that win to happen again.
"I've been striking the ball really well the past two months. I hit about 15 greens in regulation yesterday and today I did pretty much the same.
"I've been giving myself lots of birdie opportunities. I made seven birdies today out of which five came from within three feet of the pin."
The cut was set at one-over with 73 players progressing into the weekend rounds.