Els hits top spot

Ernie Els worked out his putting problems to fire a six-under-par 65 as he moved to the top of the leaderboard during the second round of the Barclays Singapore Open.

The South African was let down by his putter in an opening round of 71 but he regained his form on the Sentosa Golf Club greens today to take a two-shot clubhouse lead over Japan’s Shingo Katayama.

Katayama shot 69 for the second day in a row to move up to four-under, one stroke ahead of defending champions Adam Scott of Australia, who also carded a 69.

Els lamented that he had been unable to “buy a putt” on the Serapong Course during the opening round but he turned his fortunes around in a spectacular fashion with a round that included only 27 putts.

Starting on the back nine, the world number seven got back into the red numbers by sinking a massive 40-footer for birdie at the par-3 14th.

“It broke the ice because I did not make a putt yesterday,” he said.

Els followed up with birdies from 15 feet at the 18th and second, before dropping his only shot of the day when he three-putted at the third.

He looked to be in further trouble when he found deep rough at the side of the green with his second shot at the par-5 fourth but he managed to hole out for an eagle which moved him to 4-under.

Further birdies at the fifth and ninth put the Big Easy two shots clear of the field after the morning session.

“I just focused on my round today, trying to play a good round of golf,” said Els, who is seeking his first win since the Dunhill Championship last December.

“It has taken me a while now to find my bearings but today will give me some confidence. It is only my third time playing on the course today and we are finding ways to score now.”

World number 44 Katayama made the turn at one-over but put himself into contention after sinking three birdies on his back nine for his second consecutive round of 2-under.

Scott could have joined the Japanese player on 4-under but the Australian dropped a shot at his final hole after driving into the water.

The world number six is still confident though of ending his victory drought of nearly a year: “I think I need to pick up the pace over the weekend and give Ernie a run.

“I’m definitely striking the ball well enough. I just need to get my share of putts over the weekend,” added Scott, whose round featured four birdies.

Joint overnight leader Juvic Pagunsan had a bogey-free round of 67 on Thursday but he gave back five shots in his second round of 76 to drop to 1-over for the tournament.

The cut was projected at four-over, leaving Ryder Cup player Paul McGinley with plenty of work to do on this afternoon after an opening round of 76.