Second round 66 gives Grace a four stroke lead

GEORGE – Branden Grace fired a seven under par 66 to take a four stroke lead at the halfway stage of the Volvo Tournament of Champions being played at The Links at Fancourt. 

Grace birdied the second, fourth, fifth and sixth before dropping a shot at the seventh to be out in 33.  Further birdies at the tenth, fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth saw him replicate that score to card a 66 – the second best round of the day. 

The best round of the day was recorded by Englishman Lee Slattery who added a 65 to his first round score of 73.  Thomas Aiken has completed two steady rounds of 68 and 70 to share second place with Slattery at eight under par.  

European Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal carded a five under 68 to take sole possession of fourth place, but reiterated his decision not to play against the USA- even if he did make the team. 

Retief Goosen matched Olazabal’s round and is tied for fifth place with six other players including compatriots Hennie Otto and Louis Oosthuizen. 

Charl Schwartzel carded a much improved 67.  Ernie Els repeated his round of 71 and Garth Mulroy slipped to a 73.

Day Two scores as follows: