By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Hong Jin-joo finished tied for fourth in the second round of the LPGA Thailand, Friday.
The South Korean, who took a two-shot lead in the opening round, carded a one-over to post a five-under 139 with Angela Stanford, who won the season-opening SBS Open two weeks ago.
Hong's compatriot Ji Eun-hee, who recorded a one-over Thursday, took five birdies to move her up to a tie for sixth at four-under 140.
American Brittany Lang, who was one of the five runner-ups in the first round, had three birdies to push her atop the leaderboard with a seven-under 137, while Morgan Pressel and Paula Creamer shared second place at 138.
The 26-year-old Hong got off to a sluggish start, bogeying the first three holes.
Although she made consecutive birdies at Nos. 7 and 8, she was even on the back nine with one birdie and one bogey.
LPGA Tour rookie Shin Ji-yai, who shot a three-over 75 to tie for 47th previous day, climbed up to a tie for 26th after making three birdies.