Abery makes his move in Joburg Open

South African Warren Abery was the big mover at the Joburg Open early in the second round, moving into a share of the lead with overnight leaders Tyrone Ferreira and Mark Murless.

Play was delayed by an hour due to heavy overnight rain but it did not prevent Abery from making a blistering start at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.

The 34-year-old from Durban opened with a par on the first, before four birdies in the next eight holes moved him to within a shot of his fellow countrymen.

He picked up another shot on the par-four 11th to move to five under – six under for the tournament – for a share of top spot at the £825,000 (€1m) co-sanctioned event between the European and Sunshine Tours.

Yesterday Murless and Ferreira set the pace with their rounds of 65 but the pair were later starters.

The other big mover of the day was Englishman Iain Pyman after three birdies and a bogey on the front nine moved him to five under for the tournament – a share of fourth place alongside compatriot Ross McGowan and Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal.

A bogey from Sion Bebb on the first saw the Welshman drop to four under and a share of seventh place, while Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke will have plenty of catching up to do when he tees off later.

The Ulsterman shot a disappointing two-over-par 73 in round one for a share of 88th place.