South African Jbe Kruger edged toward a maiden Asian Tour victory when a three-under 68 gave him the joint halfway lead with Japan’s Daisuke Maruyama at the Queen’s Cup yesterday.
Taiwan’s Lin Wen-hong also carded a 68 on day two and was tied with three others for 12th spot. Compatriot Lu Wei-chih was in a group of six at 15th after carding a one-over 72. Other Taiwanese further afield were Lu Wen-teh, Hsu Chia-jen, Lu Tze-shyan, Hsu Mong-nan and Chan Yih-shin.
The 24-year-old Kruger, who finished runner-up on three occasions last season, extended his rich vein of form with four birdies against a lone bogey.
Maruyama, making his debut at the US$300,000 tournament, finished strongly with three straight birdies on his back nine for a 67 and a two-day total of seven-under 135. Local hero Chinnarat Phadungsil, the 2009 Queen’s Cup champion, produced a barnstorming 29 on his homeward nine for a 67 as well to lie one back, while countrymen Chawalit Plaphol, winner in Samui in 2006, Somkiat Srisanga, Bangladeshi Siddikur and Finnish rookie Kalle Samooja are a further shot back.
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