Im Sung-jae leads SJM Macao Open by 3 strokes at halfway mark

Im Sung-jae sits three strokes clear at the halfway point of the Asian Tour's SJM Macao Open, which carries a $1 million purse.

Im carded a bogey-free 7-under-par 63 on Friday at Macao Golf and Country Club (par 70, 6,713 yards) in Macao, China, to reach 13 under par 127 for the tournament. He leads joint second-place Wang Weixuan of China and Austin Truslow of the United States by three strokes.

Having gone 36 holes without a bogey, Im is well-positioned to claim his first Asian Tour title. His iron play was particularly sharp Friday — he made three birdies on par-3 holes alone, the holes professionals typically find most demanding. Im finished tied for seventh at this event last year.

Korean American Kevin Na shot a 4-under 66 to sit at 7-under 133 for the tournament, placing him in a tie for sixth alongside Chase Koepka of the United States and others.

Henrik Stenson of Sweden, the 2016 Open Championship winner, carded a 1-under round to reach 6-under 134, putting him in a tie for 14th.