Kim Seong-hyeon 'Two-Day Leader'... Kim Han-byeol 'Cut Off'

Choi Kyung-joo Invitational Day 2: 2 Under Par, Kim Bi-o and Lee Jae-kyung Tied for 2nd at 2 Shots Behind, Choi Jin-ho Tied for 4th Position

Kim Seong-hyun is teeing off at the 12th hole on the second day of the Choi Kyung-ju Invitational. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Kim Seong-hyun (22, Golfzon) is on a '2-win streak.'

On the 25th, at Ferrum Golf Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province (par 72, 7,235 yards), during the second day of the KPGA Korean Tour Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational (total prize money 1 billion KRW), he added 2 under par to continue leading for the second consecutive day (6 under par, 138 strokes). Kim Bi-o (30, Hoban Construction) and Lee Jae-kyung (21, CJ O Shopping) are tied for 2nd place (4 under par, 140 strokes), while Choi Jin-ho (36, Hyundai Steel) and Lee Tae-hoon (Canada) are tied for 4th place (3 under par, 141 strokes), pursuing the leaders.

Kim Seong-hyun started tied for the lead and recorded 3 birdies and 1 bogey. After consecutive birdies on holes 12 and 13 in the front nine, he made a birdie on the 5th hole (par 5), playing flawlessly until he made a bogey on the 8th hole (par 3). Leading by 2 strokes, he secured his second career win opportunity after winning the KPGA Championship on the 9th of last month, instantly joining the ranks of major champions. He said, "My putting has definitely improved," and added, "Although this position can be psychologically stressful, I will just focus on my own play."

Last year's Rookie of the Year Lee Jae-kyung and Kim Bi-o both reduced their scores by 2 strokes, eyeing a comeback. Moon Kyung-jun (38, Husem) is tied for 6th place (2 under par, 142 strokes), while Ham Jung-woo (26, Hana Financial Group), Park Sung-guk (32), Kim Tae-hoon (35), and Lee Chang-woo (27, CJ Logistics) are tied for 8th place (1 under par, 143 strokes). On the other hand, defending champion Lee Soo-min (27, Srixon) is tied for 67th place (6 over par, 150 strokes), and Kim Han-byeol (24, Golfzon), who aimed for three consecutive wins in three tournaments for the first time in 20 years, was cut off at 113th place (13 over par, 157 strokes).