Rock leads at Joburg Open
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Thunderstorms interrupted play for the second day running at the Joburg Open as England's Robert Rock grabbed the outright lead.
Just over a quarter of the 208-man field completed their second rounds, before organisers abandoned any further play with Rock leading at 11-under-par.
The 34-year-old fired an eagle and four birdies in his second-round four-under 67 to take a one-stroke lead ahead of South Africans Jbe Kruger and Branden Grace - both at 10-under - with other locals Michiel Bothma and George Coetzee a further shot back.
Coetzee is the only player of the top five yet to finish his second round; he is three-under through six holes on the East Course at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.
Tied for sixth are Lyle Rowe, Scott Jamieson and Jamie Elson at eight-under, with South Africa's Retief Goosen one of four golfers tied for ninth on seven-under.
Goosen was two-under through six holes in his second round when play was halted.
Australian Daniel Gaunt was also two-under after six holes to be five-under overall in a share of 26th position.
Gaunt's compatriot Scott Strange was even through his six holes and is one-over for the tournament in equal 137th spot.
US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel is three-under after shooting 68 in his second round to be tied for 56th spot.
Schwartzel's younger brother Atti is making his professional debut at the European Tour event, with the 20-year-old yet to start his second round after shooting nine-over in his first 18 holes.
Overnight leaders Damien McGrane and Jamie Elson were still yet to start their second rounds by the time the leaders returned to the clubhouse.
Saturday's play is set to tee off at 6:45am local time, with 37 players still to begin their second rounds.