South Korea’s Lee Sang-hee took one cool stride towards his maiden JGTO title after signing for a second round six-under-par 65 to take over the lead at the Yokohama Minato Championship- Fujiki Centennial on Friday.
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On a hot and humid day where temperatures reached as high as 34.2 degrees at the Yokohama Country Club, it was the 32-year-old Lee who took control with another bogey-free round, to enjoy a one-shot advantage over compatriot Song Yong-han and Japan’s Mikiya Akutsu.
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Lee, who put himself in a similar position at the Hana Bank Invitational before finishing tied-fifth in June, went out in 32 after birdies on holes three, seven and nine. He birdied 12 before taking over the lead with an eagle-three on 14. The Korean then parred his remaining four holes to compile a two-day total of 11-under-par 131.
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“The hot weather didn’t really bother me too much today. I know we are allowed to wear shorts this week but I just forget to bring one today. My goal for this week is definitely to win as I have not won on the JGTO before and a victory this week will be really special,” said Lee.
Song, meanwhile, remains in contention for his third JGTO victory where his last triumph came at the Sansan KBC Augusta in August last year.
“I stuck to my game plan well while trying to manage the hot weather conditions today. I thought I did that pretty well and I’m pleased I’m in a good position heading into the weekend,” said Song, who mixed his card with seven birdies and two bogeys.
