Choi, 38, hit an impressive two-over 72 yesterday and, despite starting the second round with a bogey, was even better today.

“I think today was probably my best round I’ve ever played at the Open,” he said.

“All my shots – the swing, the putting, everything – worked the way I wanted it to.

“I think the key right now is to maintain my body condition and try to finish it out.

“The fans’ support today was wonderful. I get a lot of motivation out of that.”

Choi, who is based in Houston, Texas, is aware how big an impact him winning a major would have in his homeland, although he was cautious not to get carried away.

“If I were to win this, the reaction back in Korea would be tremendous because it’s a major tournament. I know there are a lot of people praying for me back home.

“I don’t think I’ve ever led in a major. With the experiences playing in other majors I know the key is to stay patient.

“I’ve got to get as much rest as I can and not be too aggressive out there.

“I’m going to take the approach of being a learner and not get too confident but just take every day as a learning experience.”

He added: “Whether it’s windy or not over the weekend I don’t think it’s going to matter because this course is difficult as it is.”

Lam Chih Bing made history by becoming the first Singaporean to make the cut at an Open.

The Asian Tour stalwart overcame beginning the round with a triple-bogey and fought back with late birdies on the 15th and 17th holes to sign for a five-over-par 75 and a two-day total of seven-over-par 147.

“It was such a rollercoaster today,” Lam said. “So many things that could have gone wrong went wrong. I got off to a nightmarish start but I knew that I could make some birdies coming in on the par fives.

“I hope to play well this weekend and hope my performance here will be a boost for golf in Singapore.”