Hua Hin: Japanese teenager Ryo Hisatsune upstaged many of the big-name players in the International Series Thailand to take the halfway lead at Black Mountain Golf Club yesterday.
The 19-year-old, who turned professional at the end of 2020, shot a six-under-par 66 for a total of 14-under 130.
He led by one from South Koreans Kwon Sung-Yeol and Mun Do-Yeob, who carded 66s.
A shot further back was reigning Asian Tour No.1 Kim Joo-Hyung (68) and Lee Tae-Hee (64), both of South Korea, South African Jaco Ahlers (63), Thais Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (66) and Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (65), and American Todd Baek (66).
"My course management today was very good. I am very happy," said Hisatsune, who has his girlfriend Rirua Furukawa on the bag.
"It was so hot today, I am not used to this."
He fired seven birdies and dropped just one shot.
A rising star of the Japan Golf Tour Organisation, Hisatsune recorded six top-20 finishes during his rookie season in Japan last year and could well be a threat this weekend.
"I am disappointed not to birdie the last. Two more rounds to go, so it's still a long way to go." Hisatsune said.
Kim, 19, was lurking ominously behind the leaders although he felt his best is yet to come in the first of 10 International Series events this season.
"To be honest I felt like I left a lot of shots out there today. It is still an under-par round and it's going to give me a chance," said Kim.
"You can get a bunch of birdies out there, so you have to hit it close and give yourself a lot of opportunities.
"To be honest, the last two days have not been the best that I have had but to still be here in contention is a good feeling."
Thailand's amateur star Ratchanon 'TK' Chantananuwat made the cut for the sixth successive time on the Asian Tour on the day he turned 15 years old.
He shot a 68 to make it through to the weekend on six under.