James Kingston tied for lead at Joburg Open

The Asian Tour’s James Kingston blasted a six-under-par 66 and was tied for the lead in the second round at the Joburg Open in Johannesburg on Friday.

Kingston, 41, had previously tackled the challenging East Course in the opening day with a five-under-par 66 and after his fine run on the par-72 West Course, the South African sits on top of the leaderboard with an 11-under-par 132 total. He is tied alongside compatriots Otto Hennie and Jakobus Roos.

Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris, who was the 2005 Brunei Open winner, fired a similar 66 in the second round and was one stroke off the pace in lone fourth spot. Keith Horne was in joint 38th place after a 71 alongside Garth Mulroy who shot a 69.

Kingston was pleased with his second day performance as he was blemish free. He birdied the second hole and eagled the ninth. He enjoyed a solid end with another birdie on the 17th followed by his second eagle of the day at the final 18th hole.

Hendrik Buhrmann, last year’s Aamby Valley Asian Masters winner, scored a 68 in tied 64th position together with fellow local Des Terblanche who shot a 67 and Australia’s Simon Nash who closed in with a 68.

On the US PGA Tour, Korea’s Choi Kyung-ju slipped 10 spots to joint 12th position after a one-over-par 71 at the Sony Open in Hawaii. His five-under-par 135 total was six strokes behind second round leaders Luke Donald and Paul Goydos.

Australian youngster Andrew Buckle leaped up the ranks when he fired a 66 in joint 16th place while compatriot Jarrod Lyle dropped to tied 49th after a 71.

Charlie Wi of Korea and Filipino Juvic Pagunsan shot matching 72s as they both missed the cut.

January 13, 2007

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