Defending champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand joined Argentina's
Tano Goya at the top of the leaderboard at a fog-disrupted
Ballantine's Championship on Friday.
Jaidee shot a 5-under 67 in his second round to stand at
8-under for the tournament at Pinx Golf Club.
He is joined by Goya, who carded a 70 after completing his
first round earlier in the day with a 66. Goya birdied the final
three holes in his morning round to give him momentum going into
the afternoon session.
"The three birdies gave me a lot of confidence," Goya said.
"It's easier finishing like that."
Both players began their second day of play early Friday
after Thursday's first round was delayed by over six hours due to
dense fog. As a result, organizers have reduced the event to 54
holes.
The third and final round will be played on Sunday, with
two-thirds of the field having to complete their second rounds by
Saturday afternoon.
They include first round leader Marcus Fraser of Australia,
who is one stroke behind of co-leaders, along with third-ranked
Ernie Els and American Anthony Kim, who are in a group sharing 11th
place at 4-under.
Fellow Australian Brett Rumford is tied with Fraser after
completing his second round late Friday with a 70 that included
three birdies and one bogey.
Local favorite Y.E. Yang of South Korea is on the verge of
missing the cut at 6-over par. This is his first competition in
front of his hometown fans since winning the PGA Championships last
year.
The $2.9 million Ballantine's Championship is an official
European Tour event, co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Korea
PGA.
