Joburg Open 2007

South African trio James Kingston, Jakobus Roos and Hennie Otto shared the lead on 11-under-par 132 after the second round of the inaugural Joburg Open on Friday.

Australian Terry Pilkadaris was a shot adrift after firing a six-under-par 66 at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.

All four golfers played the less demanding West course on Friday, the 41-year-old Kingston shooting a second successive 66 thanks to a birdie-eagle finish.

"It was bordering on real frustration because I saw people were shooting the lights out on the West course yesterday," Kingston told reporters.

"Nothing happened on the back nine and then all of a sudden I finished birdie-eagle which made it a good round."

Roos, 26, produced the round of the day with a 65.

"I played solid golf and hit the ball nicely," he said. "I was feeling confident and I knew there were lots of opportunities for phenomenal scoring on the West course and just needed to stay patient."

Otto registered a 67 after showing good form on the greens.

"Good putting is important on this course, it's not how you drive but how you arrive," said the 30-year-old.

Overnight leader Andrew McLardy of South Africa slumped to a one-over 72 on the East course after starting with a 63 on Thursday.

Italian Edoardo Molinari was on the same score after he followed his opening 64 with a 71.

Argentina's Ariel Canete and South African duo Louis Oosthuizen and Dean Lambert were in a tie for fifth place, two strokes behind the leaders on nine-under-par.

Pre-tournament favourite Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, the highest ranked player in the field, was six-under on 137.

The event is being co-sanctioned by the European and Sunshine tours.