Els on course for birthday win

Ernie Els looked certain to celebrate his 34th birthday with a World Match Play win at Wentworth today.

With seven holes to play the world No 2, seeking a record-equalling fifth victory in the event, was five-up on fellow South African Tim Clark.

Dane Thomas Bjorn was on course for a semi-final place as well. After beating Masters runner-up Len Mattiace in the first round Bjorn led Masters champion Mike Weir by six after 26 of the 36 holes.

The other two games were closer. Vijay Singh came from three down after 23 to lead US PGA champion Shaun Micheel – victim of a robbery last night – by one with eight to go and Open champion Ben Curtis recovered from an early two-hole deficit to be two-up on fellow American Chad Campbell with nine to play.

Els was two ahead at lunch and made what appeared the decisive burst when he had a hat-trick of birdies from the 23rd.

Bjorn was level after 10, but then surged clear, while Singh was a different man after lunch. Having played the back nine of the first round in a three over 40 he went to the turn in 31, Micheel’s only success coming thanks to an eagle at the 22nd.

Curtis had an eagle on the 18th to lead for the first time and then covered the front nine in 32 to Campbell’s 33.