Golf: Early starter Bjorn chases leaders

Denmark's Thomas Bjorn stormed into contention for his first win of the season in the South African Open at East London.

Bjorn was one of 54 players forced to return to the course at 0640 local time this morning to complete his first round after two delays for lightning on Thursday afternoon.

The former Ryder Cup player only had one hole to play before play was halted as darkness fell.

But he made the most of his early start today with a birdie on the 18th to get back to level par.

The 29-year-old had in fact been three over after 12 holes on Thursday but played the last six in three under to card a 72, and then carried on where he left off today.

Starting on the ninth, an eagle at the par five 11th was followed by birdies at 12, 13 and 15 to move him to five under par and just three shots off the lead.

That was held by South African Roger Wessels, another who had been forced into an early start and had earlier completed a first round 67.

Wessels then picked up three more shots in his opening eight holes to move ahead of overnight leader and compatriot Hennie Otto to eight under par.

Most of the first round leaders were not due out until later in the day but Wales' Bradley Dredge had begun his second round and remained five under through 10 holes after one bogey and one birdie.