Korean Hongtaek Kim secures the halfway lead at the International Series Japan; Song two shots back after Round 2.
Korean Hongtaek Kim secured the halfway lead today at the International Series Japan, putting him on track for his second Asian Tour title and his first on The International Series. After leading the field on day one with a 7-under-par (64), he followed up with a 67 today at Caledonian Golf Club and now stands at an impressive eleven-under-par.
One shot behind him are Japan's Shugo Imahira and Karandeep Kochhar from India, both with a 65 – in the opening event of the year on The International Series and the third stop of the Asian Tour. Koreans Yubin Jang (63) and Younghan Song (68), Japan's Tatsunori Shogenji (67) and Poom Saksansin (68) from Thailand are one more shot back.
Kim: Mental Fortitude in Rain Battle
Kim, winner of the GS Caltex Maekyung Open on the Asian Tour two years ago, showcased his class today by figuring out what was wrong with his game after going through a tough stretch. “At the start of the round, I wasn't hitting my shots very well, but I was able to figure out what I was doing wrong and make adjustments,” he said. “After that, I was able to settle in and play much better.” He made a bogey on the third hole, falling back, but his experience quickly took over, as it was his only dropped shot. He later made five birdies to move to the top ahead of the weekend, for which rain is predicted. “In the rain, I probably won't be able to get as much distance, so it will be very important to keep the ball in the fairway,” he said. “From there, I will focus on staying patient, saving par when necessary, and playing well around the greens.”
Shugo Imahira, one of the most decorated Japanese players in the field, showcased this today when he eagled two of the par-5 holes: the sixth and 18th. “This course offers us many birdie chances, so I tried to take advantage of them whenever I could,” said Imahira – a 10-time champion on the Japan Golf Tour and a two-time winner of its Money List in 2018 and 2019. “I think I am in a good position. The event is taking place in Japan, and playing in Japan gives me an advantage, so I expect to be contending for the win after the third round. One of my goals is to win international events, so I will do my best to achieve that.”
Karandeep Kochhar has the distinction of remaining bogey-free for two days, reflecting his strong start to the season. He currently sits in sixth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. “I mean, to remain bogey-free, I think pretty much everything has to be good,” said the Indian. “However, I think it’s mainly my iron play
