Kim Hanbyul 'Tops the Leaderboard'... "My Goal Is Not to Get Angry"

Kim Hanbyeol and Kim Yeonseop, Jang Heemin Co-Lead 2R at Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-Joo Invitational
Kim Dongmin and Moon Kyungjun Tied 4th, Moon Doyeop Tied 10th
'Tank' Choi Kyung-Joo and Defending Champion Ham Jeongwoo Tied 96th

Kim Hanbyeol is taking his second shot on the 7th hole of the 2nd round at the Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational. Photo by KPGA

[Asia Economy Reporter Tae-won Choi] Kim Han-byeol (26) has seized an opportunity to avenge a painful comeback loss.

On the 30th, at the Ferrum Club (Par 72) in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, during the second round of the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Korean Tour Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational (total prize money 1.25 billion KRW), Kim Han-byeol reduced one stroke to reach a cumulative 6-under-par 138, tying for the lead. Kim Yeon-seop (35) and Jang Hee-min (20) are also in this group.

Kim Han-byeol recorded five birdies and four bogeys. On the 18th hole of the final round of the DGB Financial Group Open on the 25th, Kim missed a 2-meter birdie putt, leading to a playoff where Moon Do-yeop (31) claimed the victory. Not only on the final hole but also on three other occasions, he missed short putts under 2 meters, causing regret.

Kim Han-byeol said, "Today's game was not bad," adding, "Especially, despite making four bogeys, I never got angry, which is something to be praised." He continued, "Getting angry doesn't help at all," and added, "My goal for tomorrow's game is also not to get angry."

Kim Dong-min (24) and Moon Kyung-jun (40) followed closely in a tie for 4th place (5-under-par 139). Defending champion Moon Do-yeop finished the second round tied for 10th place (4-under-par 140).

Choi Kyung-ju (52), who participated as both host and player, lost two strokes and struggled, finishing tied for 96th place (4-over-par 148). Defending champion Ham Jung-woo (28) is also in this group.

Meanwhile, the tournament was repeatedly delayed due to fog causing trouble. Following the previous day when half of the players could not complete their rounds due to fog, thick fog covered the course again today, delaying the start of the game by 3 hours and 40 minutes, and 66 players were unable to finish the second round.