Seo Gyeol-im shoots 8-under to share lead at KLPGA Queens Masters

Seo Gyeol-im surged into a share of the lead at the KLPGA Tour's Celltrion Queens Masters on Friday, carding an impressive 8-under-par 64 in the second round.

With no bogeys and eight birdies at Sungmoonan CC in Wonju, Seo reached 11-under par 133, climbing 18 spots from the previous day. She now sits tied for first place with Kim Min-sun and Kim Su-ji.

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Overall, I think I played a satisfying round. Both my shots and putts were good, leading to a great score. My putting was especially effective, allowing me to capitalize on many birdie opportunities.

Seo, who narrowly missed out on victory with a runner-up finish at the DB Group Open in April and a joint third at the E1 Charity Open last month, is eager to secure her maiden professional win.

"Overall, I think I played a satisfying round," Seo said after her play. "Both my shots and putts were good, leading to a great score. My putting was especially effective, allowing me to capitalize on many birdie opportunities."

She added, "Personally, I feel my current form is very good. I'm satisfied with showing much better performance than last year. Of course, I have the desire to do even better."

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Personally, I feel my current form is very good. I'm satisfied with showing much better performance than last year. Of course, I have the desire to do even better.

However, Seo acknowledged the pressure of contending for a title. "I think I might falter if I focus too much on winning," she admitted. "I will focus on my own play rather than the result and play calmly."

Meanwhile, Kim Su-ji, who has achieved three top-10 finishes last month, is aiming for her first win of the season and seventh career title. "I feel a mix of anticipation and pressure," Kim said. "Playing in the championship group is a great opportunity and a meaningful experience. I want to enjoy playing."

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I think I might falter if I focus too much on winning. I will focus on my own play rather than the result and play calmly.

Kim Min-sun, chasing her second win of the season after the Nexen·Saint Nine Masters in April, commented, "After my win, I didn't have any top-10 finishes, and I went through a physically demanding period. But I rested enough this week and prepared well. Ultimately, believing in myself and playing is important."

Following the leaders, Go Ji-woo and Park Hye-jun are tied for fourth place at 10-under par 134, just one stroke behind. Kim Min-ju is in sixth place at 9-under par 135, while Park Hyun-kyung, Kim Na-hyun, Kim Ji-su, Sung Yu-jin, Son Ye-bin, and Yang Hyo-jin are among those tied for seventh at 8-under par 136.

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I feel a mix of anticipation and pressure. Playing in the championship group is a great opportunity and a meaningful experience. I want to enjoy playing.