Ma Seo-young takes solo lead at Iceberg Golf-Seoul Shinmun Open

Ma Seo-young has moved into sole possession of the lead at the KLPGA Tour's Iceberg Golf-Seoul Shinmun Open, which carries a purse of 1.5 billion won ($1.11 million), as she chases her first career victory.

Ma carded a 1-under-par 71 in Saturday's second round at H1 Club (par 72, 6,953 yards) in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, posting two birdies against one bogey. Her two-round total of 5-under-par 139 lifted her from a share of second place on Friday into the outright lead. Noh Seung-hee sits one stroke back at 4-under-par 140.

Ma struggled with tricky pin positions and firm greens. She went birdie-less through the front nine but picked up two birdies on the back nine to finish in the red. "When I couldn't make a single birdie on the front nine, I told myself, 'Today isn't going to be easy for scoring,' and just let go," she said. "On the back nine, I tried to stay calm when trouble came and take my chances when they appeared — and I played with a relaxed mindset."

Ma made her KLPGA Tour debut in 2023 and has yet to win. She has recorded two top-10 finishes this season and sits 56th on the money list. With only two tournaments remaining in the season, the event also represents a crucial opportunity to secure her playing rights for next year.

"I wasn't playing with the money list or the card race particularly in mind," Ma said, "but I did want to use this chance to put up a solid result and close out the season on stable footing."

Noh Seung-hee, a four-time winner on tour, moved into sole second place at 4-under-par 140 after a bogey-free round of four birdies.

"My ball-striking wasn't exceptional, but I converted the birdie chances that came my way with some solid mid-range putts," Noh said. "I haven't won yet this year and the season is almost over, so this is a truly precious opportunity — I really want to turn it into a victory."

Kim Min-ju, Lee Ji-hyun and Sung Yu-jin share third place at 3-under-par 141. Yoo Hyun-jo, who led after the first round, dropped three strokes on Saturday to fall into a share of sixth at 2-under-par 142, three shots off the lead.

Kim Min-sol, a three-time winner this season, carded a 4-over-par 76 — one double bogey, five bogeys and three birdies — to sit at 1-over-par 145 in a share of 26th. Ryu Hae-ran and Yoon I-na, both competing on the LPGA Tour, are tied for 48th at 4-over-par 148.

Seo Gyo-rim, who has four wins this season, withdrew before her second round began with pain in her rib area after posting a 7-over-par 79 in the opening round.

The tournament concludes Sunday with the final round.