Choi adopts patient approach for Birkdale title bid

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Patience will be KJ Choi's watchword over the last two rounds of the British Open in his bid to become the first Asian male to win a major.

The South Korean edged one stroke clear of the pack by firing a three-under-par 67 in Friday's second round at blustery Royal Birkdale.

Choi cemented his place among the game's elite by winning his seventh U.S. PGA Tour title at the Sony Open in January and has been knocking on the door in the majors for four years.

"If I were to win this the reaction back in Korea would be tremendous," the 37-year-old told reporters through an interpreter after posting a one-under total of 139 to lead twice former champion Greg Norman by a shot.

"It's a major tournament and I know there are a lot of people praying for me back home.

"I don't think I've ever led in a major but, with the experience of playing in numerous other majors before, I think the key thing I've learned is to stay patient.

"The other thing is try to get as much rest as you can and not be too aggressive out there," added former weightlifter Choi, the son of a rice farmer.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE