Chiba: Micah Lauren Shin of the United States fired a sublime four-under-par 67 to take over the lead from Thailand's Danthai Boonma after the second round of the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup yesterday.
With the course conditions at the Sobu Country Club playing to his advantage, Shin was in his element as he marked his flawless card with four birdies for a two-day total of four-under-par 138 to take the second day's honours.
Danthai, who held the overnight lead, looked to have fallen out of contention when he struggled to an outward 40.
The Thai, however, rallied strongly with two birdies in his last two holes to sign for a 73, moving into a share of second place with Australia's Brendan Jones, Japan's Tomoyo Ikemura and South Korea's YE Yang.
"I have a new driver and putter in the bag and it has been working out pretty well. I drove the ball really well on this course," Shin said.
"I like to play on faster greens and I think they work out well for me. I try not to think too much about it [winning and keeping my card] because I know I can play well as long as everything clicks."
Danthai said: "The first thing you have to focus on this course is your tee shot and hitting the ball onto the fairway. But today on the first nine holes I hit the driver very badly.
"I shot four-over on the front-nine and was a little nervous then. I knew I had to focus and get back to my game. I went back to the basics and kept my focus. On the last two holes, I hit my driver well again. I could attack the green and pin with my second shot .
"On the last hole I hit the fairway again and had only 70 yards to the pin and made a birdie."
A proven winner in Japan, Jones knows that anything can happen despite heading into the weekend just two shots back of Shin.
The Australian has been playing regularly in Japan since 2001 and won his 15th title in Nagoya last month.
The Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup is Asian Tour's first stop in Japan this season and second of four co-sanctioned events with the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) this year.
