Malelane, South Africa: Charl Schwartzel shot an eight-under-par 64 while Gregory Bourdy carded a seven-under 65 as both men shared a four-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Alfred Dunhill Championship yesterday.
The South African teed off on the 10th hole, making four birdies and an eagle from the 15th to the second at the 6,671-metre Leopard Creek Estate course which borders the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Two more birdies later and he was in a share of the lead, tied with first round leader Bourdy from France at 13 under par.
“It was there for the taking and luckily enough I took advantage early on,” said the 28-year-old South African.
“I made a couple around the turn and could have been a few more there, but we can’t get too greedy. All in all a very good round and I’ve put myself in a very good position to compete.”
After winning in Thailand last week, the 2010 Masters champion is on a roll hoping to win his second title at Leopard Creek having been runner-up four time.
Bourdy bogeyed the par-four third, but his six birdies and eagle on the par-four sixth nevertheless helped him card an seven-under-par 65 -- one stroke better than his Thursday round.
“I’m feeling great and I played two good rounds. Many birdie opportunities again today, especially on the first holes,” said the 30-year-old.
Meanwhile, tour rookie Daniel Popovic maintained his grip on the Australian PGA Championship by opening a two-stroke lead after the third round on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Australian, who has led or shared top spot after every round of the $1.3m tournament at the Palmer Coolum Resort, fired a three-under 69 for a three-day total of 13-under par.
“I’m over the moon, I couldn’t be feeling any better right now,” Popovic, who won the 2012 Australasian PGA qualifying school, told reporters.
“I knew that I had it in me and I still know that I do have one more good round tomorrow (Sunday) in me.
“I’ve just got to keep in routine... what I’ve been doing has been working this week and tonight’s going to be exactly the same and so it tomorrow morning in my warm-up.”
Fellow Victorian Anthony Brown scorched the course with a blistering eight-under 64 to climb up the leaderboard to second place at 11-under.
Brown, who trailed the leaders by seven shots at the start of the third round, offset nine birdies with a lone bogey yesterday.
“I knew that there was a good round in me, I didn’t really have any expectations at the start of the day but whenever you shot 64 in any tournament, let alone the PGA, you take it,” Brown said. “I’m very happy with how I played today.” AGENCIES
