SCORESHEET
DAY 1

September 23rd 2011, Shiga Prefecture, Japan: Korea’s S.K Ho battled his way back into contention by posting a flawless five-under-par 66 to take the second round lead at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open on Friday.

Ho signed for a two-day total of nine-under-par 133 to take a two-shot lead over Jbe Kruger of South Africa who returned with a 71 for second place at the ¥150,000,000 (approximately US$1.7 million) event jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

Bae Sang-moon of Korea added a 69 to his opening 67 to take third place while Japan’s Daisuke Maruyama and Katsumasa Miyamoto signed for matching 137s for a share of fourth place at the Biwako Country Club.

Thailand’s Prom Meesawat and India’s Jeev Milkha Singh are six shots off the lead in tied-eighth on 139 total.

A multiple-winner in Japan, Ho cut his professional teeth on the Asian Tour where he has won once.

Having decided to focus his career in Japan, Ho ensured that his familiarity with the country would provide him with the advantage this week.

“I enjoy playing in Japan and I like the golf courses around here. Overall I’m happy with how I’ve played today. I told myself that I must stay close to the leaders and I’m happy that I was able to exceed that today,” said Ho.

Starting his round in tied-second, three shots behind overnight leader Kruger, Ho made his first birdie on the fifth hole.

After reaching the turn in 34, the Korean whose full name is Hur Suk-ho, quickly made up ground with two birdies in three holes at the outward-nine.

The Korean then stormed home with another two birdies in his closing three holes.

“It’s always nice to have a bogey-free round and I hope that I can maintain my good form for the weekend rounds,” said Ho.

Kruger, who started in the back-nine 10th, bogeyed holes 11 and 14 before recovering with his first birdie on the par-four 15th.

The South African made the turn in 37 before going on to birdie the second fifth and seventh holes.

However it was his wayward drives that cost him dearly again as he marked his card with further bogeys on holes four and nine.

“I didn’t strike the ball well today. I couldn’t get it in the fairways and I couldn’t attack. I just didn’t have much luck,” lamented the South African.

“My chipping and putting are the best that I’ve ever done and if I can just get the ball onto the fairways and greens, I believe I still stand a good chance this week,” added Kruger.

Meanwhile Singh was delighted that he was able to overcome his slow opening round of 71 with a 68 and remained confident that he can put out a strong challenge when the weekend round starts.

“It was windy out there and it was difficult to judge the distance because of the wind but I want to think my caddy for doing a great job today,” said Singh.

“I hit the ball really well today and I’m glad I’ve managed to put myself in good position. I look forward to the weekend as I can continue to work on my game and make it better,” added the six-time Asian Tour winner.

A total of 70 players made the weekend cut which was set at three-over par.