Lee in pole position as storm ends play

Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and Lee Sung-man of South Korea shared the lead of the Malaysian Open on Friday after torrential rain interrupted second round play at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.

Wiratchant, who placed second at the Korean and China Opens last year, shot a five-under-par 67 for a total of 137 to share the clubhouse lead, with Sung-man.

"Its a very tough course, always going up and down, so I am very happy with that score," said Wiratchant. "I drove the ball well again with my Sword driver, which is why I always score well. I hit one bad drive but still managed to birdie the hole."

Lee, who was born deaf, shot 69 in the first round and improved with a 68 Friday.

"Being deaf helps my concentration on the course," said Lee, who last year had led the Omaha Classic. "I practiced at Saujana for a week last month and I like this course as it is very American-styled."

With less than half the field having completed Friday's round, Jamie Elson of England and Terry Price of Australia, who was second and third after the first round yesterday, slipped to joint-fifth with a two-day total of 140.

Paul McGinley of Ireland, who shot 70 for a two-day total of 138, pushed up to share third place with Greg Hanrahan of the United States, who also carded a similar score over two days.

Tournament favorite Padraig Harrington of Ireland finished the second round in with a 74 to lie at 143.

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie birdied the 12th and eagled the 13th before the weather bought his round to an end. He is three strokes behind the leaders.

Yesterday's leader Martin Maritz of South Africa, will complete his second round tomorrow morning.