Lee flawless as rain hits play

Korea’s Soomin Lee produced another flawless performance to set an imposing target in the weather-affected Shenzhen International in China yesterday.

Lee has yet to drop a shot at Genzon Golf Club after adding a bogey-free 65 to his opening 66 to finish 13 under par, three shots clear of the in-form Joost Luiten, who recorded a 66.

Ireland’s Paul Dunne, who held a share of the 54-hole lead in the Open at St Andrews last year while still an amateur, was three shots further back alongside South Africa’s Brandon Stone after the pair carded rounds of 69 and 70 respectively.

More than five hours of play was lost due to two separate thunderstorms, leaving more than half the field to complete the second round today.

Stephen Gallacher added a 72 to his opening 70, while Marc Warren shot a second successive 74.

The other Scots, including Richie Ramsay on four under, have yet to complete their second round.

Lee is playing just the sixth European Tour event of his career, but finished third on his debut in Hong Kong last October and was second in the Maybank Championship Malaysia in February, when he led by two with three to play, but doublebogeyed at the 16th and 18th.

“Today I was very excited about my round because I made a lot of putts and hit good, straight shots so everything was perfect,” Lee said. “I have two more days now to try to stay bogey free.

“I feel this course is good for me because there are soft greens and heavy rough. The breaks were Ok because after I made three birdies, I felt a little bit off and I needed some rest, so that was actually good for me.

“On the third day I just need to stick to my game and stay focused on keeping my score bogey free.”