Rock leads in South Africa as McIlroy slips

Robert Rock continued to lead the South African Airways Open on Thursday afternoon with Neil Schietekat hot on his heels at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates.

Englishman Rock was one of only six players to shoot under par on a gusty day in Paarl, sharing the lead at two under with South African Schietekat, who was only halfway through his round.

Rory McIlroy is having a disastrous day however. He is currently eight over par after 14 holes.

The round of the day so far was from former world number one Greg Norman, who is one-under par after 11 holes.

The 52-year-old Australian started poorly with a double bogey on the second but hit back in style with three birdies to stay one behind the leaders.

The other players on one-under par are South African trio Ulrich van den Berg, Alex Haindl and Charl Schwartzel.

Defending champion Ernie Els and US Open champion Angel Cabrera were two of the big names to suffer in the windy conditions.

Els endured a torrid time as he carded a five-over par round of 77, including two double bogeys, while Cabrera was on the same score with six holes still to play.

After his 33rd place finish at the Alfred Dunhill Championship last week, Darren Clarke was back on from, shooting a level-par round to remain in the mix.

"As I said earlier this week, I am playing really nice and I did the same again today," Clarke said.

"I played really good all day, but threw away a couple coming home just like I did last week. But overall I am playing really nicely.

"The course is really tough, especially in the wind this morning. It could die down some time this afternoon and then some players could make a move, but then again it could blow. Time will tell."

Earlier this morning two-time winner Trevor Immelman was forced to withdraw after just two holes.

The 27-year-old complained of a rib problem that affected his breathing.