Thailand’s Sangchai Kaewcharoen carded his second round of 69 on day two of the Lexus Challenge in Vietnam today, forcing his way into a share of the lead with compatriot Itthipat Buranatanyarat on four under par.

On a calmer day at The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram, the wind played less of a factor for the early part of the day, favouring the late morning groups but then picking up again in the afternoon to dampen down the scores.

Jakraphan Premsirigorn of Thailand and Liu Enhua of China share third place in the US$85,000 event, the opening tournament of the Asian Development Tour for the 2024 season.

As with yesterday, slow play and fading light threatened to halt proceedings before the round could be completed but the last flights grouped up on the ninth hole and were able to hole out before darkness fell.

Sangchai, who was in the last jumbo group rushing to finish, did give up a stroke with a rushed tee shot which cost him the solo lead, but he was glad to finish and was looking forward to the final day.

“I’m feeling good about it,” he said after his round. “I played well today. The last hole wasn’t good but I’ll just try to play the same again tomorrow and have fun. There was a strong wind again today, but my putting was good,” he explained

Korea’s Lion Park shared fifth spot with Runchanapong Youprayong on two under par. Although starting the day as overnight leader, a double bogey finish saw Runchanapong drop down the leaderboard at the last.

Tied in seventh spot are a number of climbers, including Japan’s Aoki Takano and Malaysia’s Galven Green. Both had poor first round scores – a 73 and 74 respectively – but scores of 68 and 67 pushed them up the table to one under par, sharing the spot with Pakistan’s Ahmad Baig and the Thai duo of Ekpharit Wu and Natipong Srithong.

In 12th place on even par are Thailand’s Tanapat Pichaikool, Peter Wilson of Australia, Leo Oyo of Japan, Malaysia’s Paul San and Liu Yun-hua of Chinese Taipei.

Play will continue for the third and final round tomorrow with 51 players remaining after the cut was made at +6. The round will start at 7am with the leaders teeing off at 8.28am.

The Lexus Challenge, which is now in its fourth year, is jointly sanctioned by the ADT and the Vietnam Golf Association and is the opening event in what is expected to be one of the strongest schedules in the history of the ADT.