Thomas opens up two-shot lead in South Korea

Justin Thomas has moved into a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges after posting a second-round score of 63. The world number five, who is bidding to claim glory in South Korea for the second time after winning the maiden edition of the tournament in 2017, followed up an opening round of 68 with an unblemished score of 63, includinf nine birdies, to move on to an overall score of 13-under par. A fast start was key to Thomas’ success on Friday after he birdied his opening four holes. He believes it set him up for a relaxed day at Nine Bridges Golf Club. “Overall one of the better rounds in a while,” Thomas was quoted as saying by the PGA Tour. “It came pretty easy, for the most part. I never had to worry much out there.” Overnight leader and home favourite Byeong Hun An holds a share of second place alongside New Zealand’s Danny Lee on 11-under, while Emiliano Grillo and Jordan Spieth are a shot further back, the latter recovering from an early bogey to post a score of 65. It was not such a good day for former world number one Jason Day, who bogeyed four of his last six holes to fall eight shots off the lead, denting his chances of earning a captain’s pick for this year’s Presidents Cup in the process.