Lee soars on back of two eagles

He was born deaf, but South Korean Lee Sung-man was eagle-eyed yesterday. The 24-year-old Lee, the only deaf golfer on the Asian Tour, produced two magnificent eagles in the second round to finish with a 67 and an aggregate of four-under-par 138.

'I try my best and leave the rest up to God,' said Lee, who can speak but cannot hear. He communicates by lip-reading and with the help of his father, Lee Kang-kun.

The younger Lee found double happiness at the par-71 Macau Golf and Country Club yesterday when he collected eagles at the 18th (he started on the 10th tee) and second holes, both par-fives. Using a two-iron for his approach shots, Lee putted in from eight feet for his first eagle and then 16 feet for the second.

'I consider my deafness as an asset. It helps me to focus better out on the course,' said Lee, who is enjoying his first season on the Asian Tour. 'I always try to be positive.'

Winner of 16 amateur events in South Korea from 1990 to 1997, Lee moved to America after turning pro and featured on the Nationwide Tour from 2000 to 2003. He lost his card last year and was urged by compatriot K.J.Choi to switch his focus to Asia.

Lee won the qualifying school competition in January and continued his rehabilitation when he led the Carlsberg Malaysian Open at the halfway stage before finishing eighth.