Schwartzel leads way from Wilson

Schwartzel first won the Dunhill title two years ago aged just 20

R2 LEADERBOARD
(SA unless stated):
-8 C Schwartzel
-6 O Wilson (Eng), R Cabrera Bello (Sp)
-5 L Westwood (Eng)
Selected others:
-3 O Fisher (Eng)
Level E Els

Local favourite Charl Schwartzel leads the Dunhill Championship in South Africa on eight under after a second straight 68 at Leopard Creek on Friday.

The 22-year-old is two shots clear of England's Oliver Wilson, who went round in 70, and Spaniard Rafael Cabrera Bello, who fired a second straight 69.

Lee Westwood is third while English compatriot Oliver Fisher, in his first pro event, is five off the pace.

Event favourite Ernie Els eagled the 18th to make the cut by three shots.

Els had made a record 77 cuts in a row but the run looked in danger of coming to an end as he dropped six shots in six holes from the 8th to slump to three over for the tournament.

I was pleased with the way I putted, although I do think I left a couple of shots out there Lee Westwood

But a birdie at the 15th, followed by the final-hole heroics, meant the world number seven survived the weekend chop.

Schwartzel won the event two years ago when he was just 20 to claim his maiden victory on the European Tour.

"The start was pretty good, I played well and I thought I'd be in for a nice low score," he said.

"But at the end I finished badly, although 68 is no disgrace."

Westwood had seven birdies in his round of 65, which followed a rusty 73 on the first day.

"I played well and I was pleased with the way I putted, although I do think I left a couple of shots out there," he said.

"I'm not that quick a starter when I've had some time off and I've been spending more time in the gym lately than hitting balls.

"It has just been too cold and miserable to go and stand on the range."