Goosen takes Johnnie Walker lead

South African Retief Goosen takes a one-stroke lead into the halfway stage of the Johnnie Walker Classic after carding a four…

South African Retief Goosen takes a one-stroke lead into the halfway stage of the Johnnie Walker Classic after carding a four-under par 68 today.

The US Open champion moved to top of the leaderboard on six-under, one shot ahead of Thailand's surprise overnight leader Thongchai Jaidee, who shot a level-par 72.

Goosen had moved four strokes clear of the field when he birdied the 15th but he opened the door for his rivals when he proceeded to bogey 16th and 17th.

"I played really nicely today but I'm disappointed with 16 and 17 but I will take an under par score," said Goosen.

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New Zealand's Steve Alker shot the lowest round of the day, 65, to move into third two adrift of Goosen. Alker is two strokes clear of Sweden's Pierre Fulke and Spain's Sergio Garcia.

Fulke carded a two under par 70, and Garcia, chasing a second victory this year, dropped one stroke in a round of 73.

Garcia dropped a shot at the 15th but picked up birdies at the 16th and 17th to remain in contention.