Justin Thomas shot a Friday 63 to take a two-stroke lead at THE CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES, putting himself in position to win his second PGA TOUR event in South Korea in three years.
Thomas, who won the inaugural CJ CUP in 2017, had a two-round total of 13-under 131 to lead from New Zealander Danny Lee (66) and first-round leader Byeong Hun An (69).
Jordan Spieth (65) and Emiliano Grillo (66) were tied for fourth, four strokes behind.
‘Overall one of the better rounds in a while,’ Thomas said who birdied his first four holes and was 6-under after 10 holes.
‘It came pretty easy, for the most part. I never had to worry much out there.’
After a 66 on Thursday, Jason Day bogeyed four of his last six holes Friday for a 73 and was eight strokes behind.
South Africa’s two representatives, Dylan Frittelli and Branden Grace, both matched their opening efforts. Frittelli moved up six places, as did Grace, after his second 70, a round that included four bogeys and six birdies, which leaves him in 23rd spot.
Grace is in a share of 33rd which his highlight an eagle two on the 14th.
Defending champion Brooks Koepka had four bogeys on his first nine for a 75 and was 13 strokes behind.
There are 78 players in the no-cut, limited-field event. It’s the first of three PGA TOUR events in Asia, continuing next week at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP in Japan which includes Tiger Woods, and ending with a World Golf Championships event in Shanghai.
