Lee takes three-shot lead at storm-hit Shenzhen

Soomin Lee shot 65 to take a three-shot lead on day two of the storm-suspended Shenzhen International on Friday with 89 players still to complete their rounds. Heavy rain made for a disjointed day in Guangdong. Thunderstorms and the threat of lightning in the area meant that five hours and 55 minutes of play were lost over two separate stoppages Lee made the most of the bad weather as he recorded seven birdies in a second consecutive blemish-free round to get to 13 under par.
"Today I felt so excited because I made many putts, and then good shots and straight ball, everything was perfect," said 22-year-old Lee. "I feel this course is good for me because of the soft greens and then heavy rough. I like heavy rough so that's good for me," he added. Joost Luiten leads the chasing pack of those who made it to the clubhouse before play was suspended. The Dutchman is in excellent form, with five top tens in his first eight events of the season, and he holed out for eagle from the fairway on the 11th before play was delayed for the first time. He was eight under for his round after 13 holes and held a share of the lead at Genzon Golf Club but two late bogeys stalled his momentum.
Despite the disjointed day in China, Luiten refused to use that as an excuse after a round which eventually took almost 11 hours. "I'm happy, but felt like I left a couple of shots out there after the last break," he said. "I missed three short putts on my last five holes, and so you come off the course with a little bit of an annoying feeling." Ireland's Paul Dunne was tied for third with Brandon Stone six shots behind the leader after making three birdies and two bogeys on the front nine before an eagle on 13th saw him sign for a 69. Stone's day featured 17 pars and an eagle in a second round of 70. The South African is in the hunt for a second title of the season after his victory in the South African Open, and admitted to some frustration on the greens. "Quite disappointed with 70," he said. "I played good golf. I had 32 putts today for two under par, so it shows you that the putter was a little bit cold. Hit it great but hopefully I'm just saving them for the weekend."