Ryo Hisatsune took an unexpected halfway lead after a nail-biting second round at the inaugural International Series Thailand on Friday.
The Japanese teenager – who only turned professional in 2020 – hit a six-under-par 66 for a tournament-best 14 under at the Black Mountain course at the seaside resort of Hua Hin.
The event is the first in the controversial Saudi-backed International Series on the Asian Tour, and carries a juicy $1.5 million purse.
“My course management today was very good. I am very happy,” said Hisatsune, who managed seven birdies and a single bogey. “It was so hot today, I am not used to this.”
Hisatsune is closely tailed by Korean players Sungyeol Kwon and Doyeob Mun, both with 66, although Mun expressed frustration with his play on Friday.
“I am disappointed not to birdie the last,” he said. “Two more rounds to go, though, so still a long way to go.”
Further down the leaderboard was reigning Asian Tour No 1 Joohyung Kim (68), who remained optimistic despite slipping from his earlier lead.
“It is still an under-par round, and it’s going to give me a chance,” he said.
Korea’s Taehee Lee shot 64, with South African Jaco Ahlers on 63, Thailand’s Chanat Sakulpolphaisan on 66 and American Todd Baek carding 66.
And finally, Thailand’s amateur sensation Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat continued his run of making the cut in every Asian Tour event in which he has played.
While celebrating his 15th birthday, he shot a 68 to enter the weekend six under.
© Agence France-Presse
