Seoul, Korea, May 15: Korea’s Ted Oh moved two places up to take the morning lead after recording a four-under-par 68 for a two-day total of eight-under-par 136 at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open on Friday.

Oh posted six birdies against two bogeys for a two-day total of eight-under-par 136 at the Nam Seoul Country Club to take a single shot lead over fellow Korean Park Hyo-won who carded a 69 for a 137 total.

Kim Hyung-sung is a further shot back in third on 138 while Byun Jin-jae and overnight joint-leader S.K. Ho are tied for fourth on 139.

Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines broke the Korean domination after carding another steady 70 for a 140 total to take a share of sixth place with Korea’s Son Joon-eob.

Oh, who started the day in tied-third, made a quick charge for the lead with three successive birdies from his opening 10th to 12th holes. The 32-year-old Korean then dropped a shot on the 17th before making the turn in 34.

Oh registered further birdies on the fourth, seventh and ninth against another bogey on the eighth after the turn to eventually return home in 68.

However with two more rounds to play at the approximately US$470,000 Asian Tour event, the California-based Korean is not calling for an early home celebration anytime soon.

“I’ve been in this position before where I was leading and I began to think too far ahead. I’m just going to go out there now and play like everyday’s the first day and play what I did for the first two rounds,” said Oh who is seeking his first win on the Asian Tour.

Park, who had earlier taken a share of third place with Oh at the end of the first round, is also hoping that his good form this week will see him win his first title in Korea.

“It’s always exciting to be in contention and I hope to lift the trophy on Sunday,” said Park who mixed his card with five birdies and two bogeys.

Meanwhile Pagunsan remains on target for his second win on the Asian Tour since his last victory at the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational in 2007.

The 30-year-old Filipino enjoyed his maiden breakthrough in a stylist way with that victory in 2007 but had to endure a barren run ever since then.

Pagunsan’s plans of getting his season back on track are however well on track as he plans to ride on his rich vein of form to inspire him to victory this week.
 
“I think I’ve played well so far this season. I have got a couple of top-10s this year and I know it’ll get better,” said the Filipino, who has already registered two top-10s this season with his tied-third finish at the Asian Tour International as his best result so far.

The GS Caltex Maekyung Open, sanctioned with the Korean Golf Association is the ninth leg of this season’s Asian Tour and is also the second Asian Tour event in Korea.

Ends.

About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia.  This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include, ESPN Star Sports (Official Regional TV Broadcaster), Pin High (Official Apparel Partner) and Srixon (Official Ball). Sentosa, Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, is the Home of the Asian Tour.