Print

Mail

wiki links

Els leads the charge in the Alps

Michael Campbell of New Zealand, right, prepares to play the ball at the 7th hole while his caddie, left, holds the flag, during the first round of the European Golf Masters in Crans Montana, Switzerland, on Thursday. PHOTO: EPA

South Africans, led by world No. 2 Ernie Els, dominated the early European Masters leaderboard in yesterday's second round.

Joint overnight leader Els was not at his best but two birdies in his last three holes for a two-under-par 69 took him to eight-under-par 134 with playing partner Michael Campbell of New Zealand, who posted 67.

Trevor Immelman of South Africa joined them on 134 by carding a 66. The trio led by a stroke from another South African, Richard Sterne, who handed in the week's best score of 64, and Britain's Paul Eales, who shot 69.

Els is looking to maintain his position on top of Europe's money-list but admitted to not hitting top form.

"I didn't play the par-fives very well today. It was a good finish but quite a scrappy day."

Disappointment at not being handed President's Cup wild cards by International team captain Gary Player for the match against Jack Nicklaus's US team in South Africa in November is driving Campbell and Immelman.

South African Tim Clark, got the nod from Player by virtue of his tied fourth in the final major, the US PGA. South Korean K. J. Choi was Player's other wild card.

"Part of my motivation is to win to prove a point, not just to Gary but myself," said Campbell, who believes "hanging around Ernie's score this week" could provide him with his second victory of the year.

Immelman voiced similar sentiments. "It was a bitter pill to swallow and I was really proud to finish top-10 at Firestone (WGC NEC Invitational) the week after the selections.

"I finished 15th in qualifying and Campbo [Campbell] finished 14th and they picked the guy in 16th place."

American Nathan Fritz birdied the last for a 66 to finish two strokes off the pace.
This story has been viewed 1885 times.