Oh takes over second-round lead at Brunei Open

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN -- Korea's Ted Oh charged into the halfway lead at the Brunei Open on Friday to give himself a shot at winning a maiden Asian Tour title.

The United States-based Oh fired a five-under-par 66 in the second round at Empire Hotel and Country Club to lead by one stroke from inaugural Brunei Open champion Terry Pilkadaris of Australia, who carded a 67.

There was a four-way tie for third place with Thailand's Somkiat Srisanga, New Zealand's Richard Lee and Australian duo Scott Hend and rookie Rick Kulacz lying three off the pace in the $300,000 Asian Tour event.

Overnight leader Young Nam of Korea endured a disappointing triple bogey at his last hole for a 73 to fall six behind. Title holder Lin Wen-tang's hopes of a successful defense fizzled out with a 72 but compatriot Lu Wen-teh stayed in the hunt with a 65.

History was also made when local amateur Seruji Setia became the first Bruneian to make the halfway cut in the four-year history of the event after shooting second round 69.

Oh, who turns 32 next week, is determined to end his winless run in Asia since winning the Qualifying School in 2001. His lead could have been wider if not for a double bogey on the 17th hole after seven birdies earlier on but the Korean shrugged off the late mistake.

"I played solid. I'm hitting the ball pretty good and keeping it in play and making a few putts. It's a pretty good combination," said Oh, who leads on 11-under-par 131. "On 17, I lost my focus and it's a lesson for me. I'll just be more patient. I'm over it."

Playing in Brunei for the first time, Oh said the hard work put in during the summer break has made a big difference. He also brought down his own expectations, admitting he put too much pressure on himself to perform at the start of the year.

"I always have these crazy goals and put too much pressure on myself and it messes me up. I had a nice month and a half break in Los Angeles and won one tournament (Long Beach Open).

"A lot of times, I would make a good start but had a hard time closing it. I don't think I was in the right physical shape then and tired out in the weekend. That's one thing I've been working on as you know in Asia, it gets pretty warm.

"My swing was a bit loose as well but at the Long Beach, I finished well and won it. I feel my swing is getting better from the work that I've put and I've gained more confidence."

Unlike Oh, the straight-hitting Pilkadaris has won three times in the region but his last success was the 2005 Brunei Open. A card that included five birdies against a lone bogey put him in prime position to end his three-year drought.

"I'd prefer to be leading but got a little sloppy from nine to 12. I realized I didn't eat enough food out there and made a few mistakes around the turn. I started eating after that and then made some birdies coming home," said the Aussie.

A return to the Jack Nicklaus-designed Empire course brings good vibes for Pilkadaris. "You just get a good feeling here. There are certain holes where you know you're going to hit it close. It's been a while (since his last win) and it's been a frustrating last couple of years."

The 34-year-old Somkiat shot two birdies against a lone bogey from a three-putt for a 70 to stay in the hunt for a first victory on the Asian Tour. "I played a lot better than yesterday, it was nearly perfect but I just couldn't hole the putts," said the Thai.

"It's nice to be in contention but it'll be important for me to stick to my routine and not think of it too much," he added.

Lee, winner of the Thailand Open in 2005, produced his best round of the year with a 64 to shoot into contention. It was a welcome turn in fortunes for the Kiwi, who was in the money on only three occasions from 13 previous starts this year.

"It's a change compared to what's been going on the last few months. It's been pretty tough. I've been working on my swing after a friend asked me to play with a fade and last two days, I played with a fade and hit 18 greens today.

"I'm surprised, it could have been 10 or 11 under, I missed a few putts and made bogey on a par five. It's good. I've not shot seven under for a long time," said Lee.

Seruji, a 39 year old acting chief immigration officer, was over the moon after making the halfway cut, the first from his country to achieve the feat. "I feel very, very happy. I've created history by being the first Bruneian to qualify for the weekend rounds of an Asian Tour event. I'm just so happy."

The cut was set at even par 142 with 69 players qualifying for the final two rounds.