Friday May 06, 2011, 11:59 AM

Kim Kyung-Tae moved into an ominous two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the GS Caltex Maekyung Open after last year's runner-up carded a second-round four-under-par 68 on Friday on home soil.

The 2007 champion followed up an opening-round 67 to move clear of Korean compatriots Kang Kyung-Nam and Cho Min-Gyu heading into the weekend of the $1 million OneAsia event at an overcast Namseoul Golf & Country Club in Seoul.

"On the first nine holes I made three straight birdies and I was feeling very good with all my shots and also my putting," said Kim, the world number 37.

"On the back nine I made a lot of mistakes, but nine-under after two rounds is a very good score," said the 24-year-old, who finished four shots adrift of runaway winner Kim Dae-Hyun last year.

"I have two more days left and I am very confident as all my shots and my putting are feeling very good this week, so I think I have a good chance to win this tournament again," said Kim Kyung-Tae.

"It is good that my putting feels good as the greens are very tough to read."

Kang, who has missed the cut in his last two events, carded eight birdies to post an impressive 66 to sit a shot clear of overnight leader Kim Hui-Soo and Australia's Stephen Allan.

"I started the round on the back nine with a birdie, which was a nice way to start, but I didn't expect to score that well," said Kang. "I holed a lot of short putts and had a long 10-foot putt for birdie on the fifth hole.

"I have played well this year and my aim this week is to finish inside the top five. My short game is very good at the moment and my putting is also improving as well, which helps to post better scores."

After claiming a one-shot first-round lead in his first professional event with a 66, 19-year-old Korean amateur Kim Hui-Soo produced a solid second-round 72.

"I was very calm and I am satisfied with a 72. In the first round I did not play that well, but I had some luck with the putter, but it was opposite in the second round," said the second-year university student.

"Now I have made the cut there is less pressure and I can go forward and be strong."

© 2011 AFP/sid