Seungsu Han. Asian Tour

Seungsu Han  held on to his lead in the Kolon Korea Open with a second-round 69 at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club, establish a healthy three-stroke lead on seven-under — and keeps his eyes firmly on the prize of a spot at the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool that comes with victory.

The little-known American has daylight between himself, Korea’s Jaekyeong Lee in second and a group including Canada’s Richard T Lee, Australian Brendan Jones, Koreans Junghwan Lee and Jeongwoo Ham, and South Africa’s Ian Snyman in a tie for third, four behind the leader.

The leading two players on Sunday make it to the Open at Hoylake nest month.

“It was not easy because the course was so difficult,” said Han, who led with a 66 on day one and was in the second from last group out today.

“I can’t wait to go back and rest. The score is not so important, it’s that I played well for two days. I’m feeling a little bit of pain, but I’m trying not to worry about it. I think I’ll be fine after resting.”

Lee added: “I recorded birdies on the 17th hole for two consecutive days. I was lucky in both rounds. In the first round, I chipped in for birdie. And today my approach ball hit the ball of my playing partner Miguel Tabuena. I wish I have luck in the third and final rounds as well.

“I want to go to the Open Championship, too. I have been there as a spectator thanks to The KJ Choi Foundation once. I’ll be a player this time. I will be patient tomorrow.”