Tirawat swings ahead as Higa leads local charge at Shinhan Donghae Open

Thailand's Tirawat Kaewsiribandit soared on two eagles to fire a seven-under-par 64 and claim a one-shot clubhouse lead midway through the second round of the weather-disrupted Shinhan Donghae Open in Nara on Friday.

Tirawat, who began the day in third place and two shots behind Canada's Richard T. Lee, backed up his eagles with four birdies, including at the last hole on nine, to reach the halfway stage on 14-under-par 128.

Tirawat had a one-shot advantage over JGTO money leader Kazuki Higa, who cheered the home crowd that thronged the Koma Country Club with a 63 following a bogey-free round comprising eight birdies.

Siwoo Kim, a three-time US PGA Tour winner, was a further stroke back on 130 after trading eight birdies with a bogey to return a 65.

Tirawat has expressed his excitement at playing in the leaders' flight, but vowed to not get carried away by his current position.

"I'm feeling very excited to be playing in the leading group at the weekend," said the one-time Asian Tour winner.

"This is the first time I'm playing on this golf course and I like it a lot because the greens here are big. It gives me the confidence to hit my approach shots.

"Despite being in the lead, I'm just going to try to play my best and enjoy the moment. I'm going to savour this new experience."

Higa said he's ready to make the weekend charge after his fine effort put him in contention for a third JGTO title of the season and also a chance to extend his lead at the summit of the Money Rankings.

"It was good to be able to go around without bogey for two consecutive days," said Higa, who won the Kansai Open and Japan Golf Tour Championship for his other two victories earlier this season.

"The last three hours of play were very dark, really glad that I was able to finish the play."

American Todd Baek was one of the international JGTO members to thrive under wet conditions along with Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines and Brad Kennedy of Australia.

He made an eagle-birdie finish to sign for a 68 and finish nine-under 133.

"It was a stressful day...all day. The greens are super soft out there obviously with lots of rain last night, and it was a lot slower. I couldn't get anything going," said Baek.

"But it feels good to have finished strong heading into the weekend. I intend to keep attacking the pins with soft greens, it should be fun."

Pagunsan and Kennedy both returned 69 and 68 respectively to be tied 13th on eight-under.

A total of 33 players have yet to complete their second round and will resume play on Saturday at 6.50am (local time) The third round is scheduled to tee off at 9.00am.

Ends.