2007 Asia Miles Binhai Ladies Open - Round 2: Na Day-ye takes lead on difficult day

Korean teenager Na Da-ye shot a par-72 to storm into lead after second round play in the US$230,000 Asia Miles-Binhai Ladies Open at Binhai Golf Club.

Da-ye, whose best finish last year was seventh placing in the Lake Hills Classic on the KLPGA Tour, posted four birdies against four bogeys on a day when none in the field of 133 players were able to shoot under-par scores due to strong chilly winds.

With a two-round total of 146, Da-ye takes a one-shot lead over countrywoman Ham Young-ae who is on sole second spot and two strokes advantage over third place Ji Eun-hee also a Korean who won the Malaysian Ladies Open and Macau Ladies Open last year.

Overnight leader Shang Linyan who claimed she was disappointed with the referee when the group was cautioned for slow play, fell victim to the strong winds and returned with the 7-over 79 to tally 149. She shares the fourth position with another Chinese player Wu Qunfang, Korean Kim Hae-jun and Chinese Taipei's Shih Huei Ju and Yu Pei Lin.

Da-ye claimed she felt great. "I know this course is very challenging and demands a lot of thinking. It's for the smart players not for brawny players," she said, adding that the winds were not a problem to her. "Coming from Jeju Island where the winds are very strong, I'm used to playing under the cold and windy conditions."

She added that the pin positions were very fair and had a good day with the putter. "My putting saved me a couple of strokes as my iron shots were a bit of a let-down today."

Young-ae who enjoyed two 11th place finishes (her best) on the KLPGA Tour last year said she was happy with her score despite the strong winds. "I enjoyed the tailwinds but not the headwinds and crosswinds," said the 20-year-old from Seoul.

Shang from Shanghai, however, said she would try and make a strong comeback to win it for the Shanghai people and for China. "We've not had a winner on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour. I'm only three-strokes adrift from the leader. This is my best chance to get a Chinese victory," she said.

A total of 71 players made the cut for the final round tomorrow.

Leading Scores Round 2

146: Na Da-ye (Kor) 74-72

147: Ham Young-ae (Kor) 74-73

148: Ji Eun-hee (Kor) 74-74

149: Wu Qunfang (Chn) 75-74, Shih Huei Ju (Tpe) 77-72, Kim Hae-jung (Kor) 72-77, Shang Linyan (Chn) 70-79, Yu Pei Lin (Tpe) 74-75

150: Lu Hsiao Chuan (Tpe) 78-72, Hong Ran (Kor) 77-73, Wei Yun Jye (Tpe) 74-76,

March 22, 2007