GOLF: Hennie Otto birdied the17th at Leopard Creek on his way to a joint course record eight-under par 64 and a two-stroke lead after the second round of The Sunshine Tour Championship at Leopard Creek Country Club, South Africa yesterday.

Otto came through two rounds at nine-under par 135. American Scott Dunlap is his nearest challenger on 137, with Mark Mouland, Richard Sterne and Titch Moore on 138.

Ciarain McMonagle is best of the Irish on 143 after a second round 74. James Loughnane in on 149 after a 75 with Tim Rice is on 152 after a disappointing 80 while Gavin McNeill is a shot back on 153 after rounds of 76 and 77.

Colombian Gustavo Mendoza leads the Costa Rica Open, after an opening five under par 66 took him one clear of Argentine Cesar Monasterio in the opening event of the European Challenge Tour season. Ireland's Eamon Brady opened with a level par 71 while Damien McGrane, who joins the full tour later this month, shot 72.

A solid 68 put Frenchman Alex Balicki top of the European challengers, tied for third place.