Nara: Tirawat Kaewsiribandit carded his second successive seven-under-par 64, helped by two eagles, to take the clubhouse lead in the Shinhan Donghae Open in Japan yesterday, upstaging a strong line-up of players from the Asian, Japan and Korean tours.
The young Thai has won once before on the Asian Tour -- in the 2018 UMA CNS Open Golf Championship in Pakistan -- but is now in uncharted territory in one of the region's biggest and most prestigious events, moving to 14-under at the halfway mark.
A 90-minute weather delay at the start of the day meant 32 players were unable to complete round two. Play will resume this morning at Koma Country Club.
Japan's Kazuki Higa, currently ranked No.1 in Japan, came in with a 63 and was one back, while PGA Tour star Kim Si-Woo from South Korea shot a 65 to sit a further stroke behind.
Japan's Riki Kawamoto also fired a 65 and was 11 under.
First-round leader Richard T Lee from Canada, who carded a course record 62 on Thursday, was 11 under with five holes left.
"I am very excited to maybe play the leading group at the weekend," said Tirawat, also a winner on the Asian Development Tour. "It is my first time playing this course. It's great because I like the big greens, which helps me get more confidence. I am enjoying this new experience in the big time."
He began at the 10th hole and quickly raised the bar with eagles on 13 and 17, both par fives. He also made four birdies and one bogey.
Higa has triumphed twice on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation this year. His fine form was once again on display when he put together a flawless round of eight birdies.