Lipa city: Korean golfer Jeonghyeon Kang climbed to the top of the leaderboard after the second round of the ICTSI Philippine Ladies Masters at Summit Point Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas. Kang carded a 71, securing a one-shot lead in the USD200,000 event.

According to Philippines News Agency, Kang started the day one shot behind first-round leader Yunseo Lee. Despite a bogey on the second hole, she managed to birdie the next two holes. However, a double bogey on the par-3 17th, due to a wind-blown tee shot landing in a greenside bunker, reduced her lead to a single stroke, bringing her total to 138.

Kang expressed her ease with the conditions, noting, "I just didn't mind the wind. It was actually windier yesterday, so I was a bit more comfortable today." She also mentioned the potential comfort of playing with a friend in the final pairing, as she aims for another professional win following her first in 2024.

Trailing Kang are Yeonseo Hwang and Taiwanese golfer Ching Huang, both with totals of 139. Hwang delivered a notable performance with a round of 67, finishing strong with three birdies over the final four holes. Huang maintained consistency with a 69, marked by three consecutive birdies from the ninth hole.

Hwang, a three-year professional at 22, made a significant leap from joint 19th place, achieving four birdies in her first 11 holes. Though she experienced a brief setback with bogeys on the 12th and 13th holes, she recovered with three birdies in the last four holes, sharing second place at five-under. "My putting wasn't good in the first round, but today it was. I'm confident for tomorrow," Hwang stated.

Taiwan's Lee Min, Yunseo Lee, and Tzu Chi Lin are tied for fourth, all at 140, with Lin making a notable comeback with a round of 68. Filipina Daniella Uy, despite bogeys on the 12th and 16th holes, posted a 73, marking the best performance among Filipino golfers and placing her 12th at 144, six strokes behind Kang.