Poulter one back in Korea; Kim tumbles from lead

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Europe Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter soared up the leaderboard in the second round of the Korea Open with a 5-under 66 that put him just one shot behind leader Kim Wi-joong.

The Englishman moved ahead of opening day pace-setter and U.S. Ryder Cup rival Anthony Kim who followed Thursday's 64 with a two-over 73 to fall three shots behind the leader.

Local hero Kim Wi-joong equaled his 4-under 67 on the opening day to move to 8-under 134, a shot clear of compatriot Kim Dae-sub (68) and Poulter.

The leader, who fired four birdies and an eagle against two bogeys, was happy with the foggy morning, which delayed his start at the $1 million event at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club.

"It gave me an opportunity to warm up," Kim Wi-joong said. "It felt much better than actually having to tee off in the early morning."

Poulter, runner-up in the 2008 British Open and Europe's best player at the recent Ryder Cup, was delighted to record the best round of the day.

"To shoot a five under today is good. I am a little disappointed with the two bogeys. I three putted both the holes. I could have been a couple of shots better," Poulter said.

"My goal is to play the way I did today. If I can limit my mistakes, then I will be in a good position on Sunday."

Golf's rising star Anthony Kim struggled and recorded a double bogey and two bogeys.

"I don't know what happened today," said Kim. "Everything that I could have done wrong, I did. I can't remember the time I hit the ball in the water and was out of bounds in the same round. I couldn't get the putter to work.

"I had no control over my distance. I have to tighten up my driver now. It was not a good round but I still have a chance heading into the weekend rounds."

The morning delay meant 45 players would have to complete their second round on Saturday morning. Prominent among them was South Korean Park Nam-sin, who was at 4-under after the opening round.

The cut was yet to be decided, but Asian Tour order of merit leader Mark Brown of New Zealand looked certain to be among those with an early departure. His even-par 71 was not enough to compensate for an opening round of 7-over 78.