Suh Hangs on to Wuhan challenge lead

Veteran Suh Bo-mi did enough to hold on to the lead at the Wuhan Challenge on Friday as the South Korean carded an even-par 72 for a one-stroke advantage through two rounds of the China LPGA Tour event in Hubei province.

Thailand's Budsabakorn Sukapan fired a 67 for the best round of the day at Orient Wuhan to sit in second place, while Chinese amateur Sui Xiang (69) and defending champion Pavarisa Yoktuan (71) were equal third, three shots off the pace.

Chinese amateur Luo Ying (72) and Thailand's Wannasiri Sirisampant (73) were equal fifth a shot further back at the RMB600,000 tournament.

Starting her round in the early morning in wet conditions, overnight leader Suh got to seven-under after a birdie on the opening hole. Following a bogey at the fourth hole, she carded three birdies over the next eight holes. Her round, however, unraveled with a double-bogey six at the 13th hole when her approach shot found water and a bogey five at the last when she missed a short putt.

"I'm happy with today's performance. It's not bad, except the hole 13 double bogey," said the Seoul native who is looking for her first title since 2009 when she won the Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open. Since then, her best result has been a runner-up finish at the 2013 Korea Ladies Open.

"I hope to win this week and I will focus on each shot. I wish to play solid on each shot tomorrow." She said.

Thai teenager Budsabakorn, who turned pro earlier this year after an outstanding amateur career, started her round in sunny conditions in the afternoon and came out firing. After birdies at her first two holes (the 10th and 11th holes), she carded an eagle three at the next to quickly get to four-under. The rest of her round proved a roller coaster as she fired six more birdies against three bogeys and a double bogey.

"I was not confident when I started today. I just did what I planned and focused on my game," said the 17-year-old, winner of the Srixon XXIO Ladies Open in May.

"I wish to win again on the China LPGA tour, but Suh is a good player and very strong. If I didn't win I feel no disappointment. This is a very good experience, I wish both of us can play solid in the final round."

Sui Xiang demonstrated that she is one of China's top amateurs to watch as the 16-year-old kept in the mix with a round that included five birdies and two bogeys.

"Today the putting is pretty good except a three putt. In general, I'm satisfied with my performance, especially the front nine holes. I'm lucky and the shots on the green are good, so I had many chances to get birdies," said the Guangdong native.

"For tomorrow, I hope I can play solid. This course is not long, but the shots have to be accurate." Endi