Two eagles send Fisher junior soaring at Africa Open

Published January 08, 2015

By Jason Humphries

EAST LONDON, South Africa (Reuters) - Local hope Trevor Fisher junior returned a second consecutive seven-under 66 to take a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Africa Open on Friday.

The 30-year-old South African has a 14-under tally of 132 at the East London Golf Club, one in front of Swede Patrik Sjoland (67) who held a share of the lead until he bogeyed the par-four 18th.

South Africans Thomas Aiken and Keith Horne tied for third spot on 12-under after matching 67s.

Fisher junior, who began the day in a five-way tie for the lead, mixed two eagles and five birdies with two bogeys after teeing off early at 0715 local time.

He eagled the par-five first before sinking a spectacular 65-foot putt to birdie the par-three second.

Fisher junior, without a win on the European Tour, then picked up three consecutive birdies from the sixth before adding his second eagle at the par-five 11th.

"On the 11th I didn't hit my driver too well but hit a great two-iron to within four or five feet. I think it was my shot of the day," he told reporters.

"There are still two rounds to go but I have put myself in a nice position. If I can walk away and say I gave myself a chance I will be happy whatever the result is."

Sjoland reeled off an eagle and eight birdies but his progress was halted by two bogeys and one double-bogey.

Former Ryder Cup stalwart Darren Clarke of Britain was seven shots off the pace after a three-under 70 gave him a total of 139.

Among the cut casualties were Britain's Nick Dougherty and New Zealand teenager Danny Lee.

The Africa Open is co-sanctioned by the European Tour and South Africa's Sunshine Tour.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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