Westwood & Woosnam close on lead

Briton Paul Eales and South African Darren Fichardt shared the halfway lead in the South African Open on Friday -- but Ian Woosnam and Lee Westwood were challenging hard for the $160,000 first prize.

Eales shot 69 and Fichhardt 67 in the second round for nine-under-par totals of 135.

But Woosnam, anxious to end a long, lean patch, was only one behind following a bogey-free 66. He moved to eight-under along with overnight leader Wallie Coetsee and Don Gammon. The two home players carded 71 and 68 respectively.

Woosnam's British compatriot Lee Westwood, making his first appearance of the year, was also well placed on seven-under after a 68.

"There are some big names chasing me, and everybody is expecting them to win," said Eales. "It's been a long time since I've been in this position.

Fichardt, who has never won on the Southern Africa Tour, joined him with a birdie at the last.

He recently wed a psychologist and the union has transformed his approach to the game.

"I've been married for 10 days, and my wife and I have worked on the mental side of my game. I never really concentrated on that at all, but now I'm ready for a win," he said.

Woosnam finally hit spectacular form and finished strongly with birdies on two of his last three holes.

Westwood proved that his six-week break had not affected his game. He dropped just one shot shot, at the par-four ninth after a mishit chip from the rough.

He made amends with a birdie at the difficult par-four 10th, and finished with an eagle three at the last.

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