GOLF:CHARL Schwartzel shot a magical 10-under-par round of 61 yesterday on a rain-affected day two of the Joburg Open to storm into a share of the lead at the halfway stage.

The defending champion notched 10 birdies to join compatriot Garth Mulroy and Englishman Jamie Elson on 13 under at the top of the leaderboard, one shot ahead of the field. The pair both shot seven-under 64s on the tougher east course of the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club while Schwartzel’s effort came on the west.

Heading the chasing pack are a trio of South Africans, amongst them James Kingston, whose 62 on the west course was the second lowest round of the day.

Also on 12 under are joint-round one leader Tyrone Mordt (68 today) and Thomas Aiken (66). Darren Clarke carded a three-under 68 to move to four under overall, the same as ex-champion Richard Sterne (70). They are expected to make the cut when the rain-disrupted second round is completed by tomorrow morning.