SHENZHEN, China --- Han Chang-won, of South Korea, shot 3-under-par 69 to share the 36-hole lead with Jordan Sherratt, of Australia, in the inaugural Asian Amateur Championship.

Han played Friday afternoon at Mission Hills and had the lead to himself until a bogey on the 17th hole dropped him into a tie with Sherratt, who had 67. They are at 9-under 135.

Korea's 21-year-old Han, who was one shot off the lead after a first-round 66, kept himself right in the hunt for the tournament's grand prizes with his solid follow-up to Thursday's seven-birdie round.

Four more birdies Friday helped him move into the lead..

"I am a calm and patient person and that helps me to play consistently," Han said.

The winner of the Asian Amateur Championship, which is sponsored by Augusta National Golf Club, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, receives an exemption to the 2010 Masters Tournament.

The winner and runner-up are also exempt into the final stage of British Open qualifying.

Peter Spearman-Burn, of New Zealand, had 68 and was one shot behind the co-leaders. Mhark Fernando (71), of the Philippines, is alone in fourth at 138.

Three players share fifth, including India's Rashid Khan, who has twice won the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills. He's joined by Korean Song Tae-hoon and another Filipino, Antonio Asistio.

First-round leader Han Ren went from 65 to 78 and is now tied for 17th place at 143, eight shots off the lead.

A total of 60 players qualified for weekend play, with the cut coming at 5-over 149.