Overnight leader Ernie Els said he missed a golden opportunity to set a
strong halfway target in the Open at St Andrews.
On another day when fabulous conditions made low scoring easier, Els
struggled to a level-par 72 to remain on 6-under-par, a couple behind day
two's early pace-setter David Toms of the United States.
Els led by one from Tiger Woods overnight, but immediately fell back
into the pack with two bogeys on the front nine.
Two birdies helped him recover to level par but he was still a
frustrated man after finishing his round.
"I really didn't get off to a start, and couldn't hit the shots I
did yesterday,'' Els said.
On Thursday, Els made the Old Course look easy but he struggled with
his putting and was unable to forge a lead.
Ernie Els tees off at the 2nd on the way to a round of 72. Allsport.
"When you get momentum, it seems like the course is easy, but when
you go the other way, it's very hard.'' Els said.
However, the South African, who finished second in both the Masters and
U.S. Open this year, said he could still win the title for the first time.
"I know I can do better, so if I am just three or four behind at
halfway maybe I can get back in it.''
